Medford, OR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Medford, 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 Medford is 92.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 323 violent crimes reported in Medford, equivalent to 372 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 0.5%. Additionally, Medford recorded 3566 property crimes, amounting to 4105 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 110%.

Medford has a crime rate of 4476 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 92.6%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Medford. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Medford has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 372 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.

Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Medford - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4105 per 100,000 people, Medford has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Medford has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Medford reported 363 vehicle thefts, which equates to 418 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Medford is 1 in 240.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Medford?

What do the local residents think about crime in Medford? Well, based on a recent survey of 95 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 22% of Medford residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 78% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Medford a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Medford 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 Medford crime rate is 93% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 10.65 crimes per day - 0.88 violent crimes and 9.77 property crimes.

Has Crime in Medford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Medford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Medford has increased by 30.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 17.5%, while property crimes have increased by 31.7%. 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 Medford

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Medford, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Medford, 82% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In Medford, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.8 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.

Medford crime map