Lake Oswego, OR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lake Oswego, OR

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lake Oswego is 28.6% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lake Oswego, there were 32 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 80 per 100,000 individuals, 78.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 633 property crimes, amounting to 1581 per 100,000 residents, 19.1% lower than the U.S. average.

With only 80 incidents per 100,000 people, Lake Oswego boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Lake Oswego has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

Lake Oswego showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lake Oswego?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lake Oswego residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 67% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lake Oswego were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 33% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lake Oswego a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Lake Oswego is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Lake Oswego has a total crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.82 daily crimes (0.09 violent daily crimes and 1.73 daily property crimes) in Lake Oswego.

Has Crime in Lake Oswego Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lake Oswego. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Lake Oswego has decreased by 0.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 11.1%, while property crime has decreased by 0.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lake Oswego.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego has a population density of 3650.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Lake Oswego crime rates.

In Lake Oswego, 97.6% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

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 Lake Oswego, the average rental rates are $1,725 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Lake Oswego crime map