Forest Grove, OR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Forest Grove, OR

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 Forest Grove is 5.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 89 violent crimes reported in Forest Grove, equivalent to 342 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 7.5%. Additionally, Forest Grove recorded 484 property crimes, amounting to 1860 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 4.8%.

When evaluating the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

Forest Grove exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 342 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Forest Grove as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

Forest Grove has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1860 property crimes in Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Forest Grove residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 78% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Forest Grove were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 22% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Forest Grove a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove crime rate is 5% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.57 crimes per day - 0.24 violent crimes and 1.33 property crimes.

Has Crime in Forest Grove Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Forest Grove has increased by 25.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Forest Grove 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 17.1%, while property crime has increased by 27.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Forest Grove.

Potential Causes for Crime in Forest Grove

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Forest Grove crime rates. For instance, in Forest Grove, the population density stands at 4258.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Forest Grove, the cost of living is 11.23% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Forest Grove, the average rental rates are $1,152 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Forest Grove crime map