Oak Grove, KY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oak Grove, KY

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 Oak Grove is 32.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes reported in Oak Grove, equivalent to 294 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 20.4%. Additionally, Oak Grove recorded 218 property crimes, amounting to 2791 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 42.8%.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Oak Grove has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in Oak Grove, which is 38 murders per 100,000 people.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Oak Grove is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Oak Grove reported a total of 37 vehicle thefts, resulting in 474 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 212, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oak Grove?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Oak Grove residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Oak Grove were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Oak Grove a Safe Place to Live?

Is Oak Grove 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, Oak Grove has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 33%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.66 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.6 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oak Grove as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Oak Grove Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Oak Grove. 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 Oak Grove has decreased by 3.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 14.8%, while property crime has decreased by 1.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Oak Grove.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oak Grove

In Oak Grove, the poverty rate currently stands at 17.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Oak Grove crime rates.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Oak Grove crime rates. Oak Grove registers a population density of 684.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Oak Grove, the median home price stands at $115,400, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Oak Grove crime map