Oelwein, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oelwein, IA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Oelwein is 51.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes reported in Oelwein, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 7.5%. Additionally, Oelwein recorded 42 property crimes, amounting to 726 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 62.9%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Oelwein has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 397 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

In the most recently reported crime year, Oelwein registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oelwein?

What do the local residents think about crime in Oelwein? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Oelwein residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Oelwein a Safe Place to Live?

Is Oelwein 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, Oelwein has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 52%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.18 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oelwein as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Oelwein Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Oelwein has decreased by 26.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Oelwein is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 35.3%, while property crime has decreased by 40.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Oelwein.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oelwein

Oelwein has a poverty rate that stands at 15, 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 Oelwein 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.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Oelwein, the cost of living is 24.93% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Oelwein is $87,800, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Oelwein crime map