Ponca City, OK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ponca City, OK

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ponca City crime rate is 59% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Ponca City, there were 139 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 568 per 100,000 individuals, 53.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Ponca City recorded 766 property crimes, amounting to 3128 per 100,000 residents, 60.1% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ponca City?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Ponca City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 27% of Ponca City residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 73% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Ponca City a Safe Place to Live?

Is Ponca City 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, Ponca City has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 59%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.48 daily incidents, encompassing 0.38 violent crimes and 2.1 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ponca City as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Ponca City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ponca City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ponca City has decreased by 12.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 28%, while property crimes have decreased by 8.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ponca City

Ponca City has a poverty rate that stands at 16.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Ponca City crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Ponca City crime rates. Ponca City registers a population density of 1302.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Ponca City, the cost of living is 18.65% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Ponca City crime map