Oakland, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oakland, CA

The Oakland crime rates are 244% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 6516 violent crimes in Oakland (1521 per 100,000 people), which is 311.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 27737 property crimes (6475 per 100,000 residents) which is 231.3% higher than average.

With a total of 7996 crimes per 100,000 people, the Oakland crime rates stand at 244.03 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Oakland, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Oakland ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1521 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Oakland stand at 1 in every 66 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Oakland is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 121 murders in Oakland, which equates to 28 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Oakland being a very dangerous place to live.

Every year, one in 16 people fall victim to a property crime in Oakland - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 6475 per 100,000 people, Oakland 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.

With a total of 7697 vehicle thefts last year, Oakland has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1797 per 100,000 people. This lands Oakland in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 56.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oakland?

AreaVibes surveyed 393 local residents in Oakland to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Oakland and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Oakland a Safe Place to Live?

Is Oakland 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, Oakland has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 244%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 93.84 daily incidents, encompassing 17.85 violent crimes and 75.99 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oakland as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland has increased by 21.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 15.3% and property crime has increased by 22.6%.

Oakland Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Oakland, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 130 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Oakland are areas such as Forestland, Joaquin Miller Park and Crocker Highland, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Eastmont, Webster and Fitchburg are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oakland

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 Oakland, the cost of living is 55.76% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Oakland is $730,000, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Oakland, the average rental rates are $1,539 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Oakland crime map