Oxford, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oxford, NC

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Oxford crime rate is higher than the national average by 22.4%. Specifically, there were 65 violent crimes in Oxford, equivalent to 731 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 97.6%. Furthermore, Oxford recorded 188 property crimes, amounting to 2114 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 8.1%.

Oxford has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 731 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Oxford falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 137 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Oxford is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 3 murders in Oxford, which equates to 34 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Oxford being a very dangerous place to live.

Oxford has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2114 property crimes in Oxford, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oxford?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Oxford residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Oxford were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Oxford a Safe Place to Live?

Is Oxford a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Oxford has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 22%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.69 daily incidents, encompassing 0.18 violent crimes and 0.52 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oxford as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Oxford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Oxford crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Oxford has increased by 0.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 7.1% and property crime has increased by 3.3%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oxford

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Oxford, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Oxford stands at $144,700, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Oxford, the average rental rates are $778 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Oxford crime map