Stillwater, OK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Stillwater, OK

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Stillwater crime rate is 4.1% lower 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 Stillwater, there were 150 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 310 per 100,000 individuals, 16.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Stillwater recorded 928 property crimes, amounting to 1918 per 100,000 residents, 1.9% lower than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Stillwater crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Stillwater crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Stillwater ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Stillwater, there were a total of 5 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Stillwater exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1918 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Stillwater maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Stillwater?

AreaVibes surveyed 21 local residents in Stillwater to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 81% of people answered that there was very little crime in Stillwater and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 19% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Stillwater a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Stillwater a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Stillwater crime rate is 4% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.95 crimes per day - 0.41 violent crimes and 2.54 property crimes.

Has Crime in Stillwater Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Stillwater. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Stillwater has decreased by 6.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 7.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 8.3%. 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 Stillwater

Stillwater has a poverty rate that stands at 33, 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 Stillwater 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.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Stillwater crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Stillwater has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Stillwater, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.44 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Stillwater crime map