McAlester, OK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in McAlester, OK

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 McAlester is 24.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 50 violent crimes reported in McAlester, equivalent to 274 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 25.8%. Additionally, McAlester recorded 478 property crimes, amounting to 2624 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 34.2%.

During the most recently reported crime year, McAlester experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in McAlester?

What is the prevailing sentiment among McAlester residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 36 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 19% of McAlester 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, 81% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is McAlester a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if McAlester 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. McAlester has a total crime rate that is 25% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.45 daily crimes (0.14 violent daily crimes and 1.31 daily property crimes) in McAlester.

Has Crime in McAlester Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in McAlester crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in McAlester has increased by 0.4% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has increased by 0.4%.

Potential Causes for Crime in McAlester

In McAlester, 75.6% 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 cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In McAlester, the cost of living is 20.85% lower than the national average.

In McAlester, the average rental rates are $738 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.

McAlester crime map