Opelika, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Opelika, AL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Opelika crime rate is 52.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Opelika, there were 259 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 809 per 100,000 individuals, 118.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, Opelika recorded 877 property crimes, amounting to 2740 per 100,000 residents, 40.2% higher than the U.S. average.

Opelika ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 809 per 100,000 people, Opelika is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 124 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Opelika, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Opelika ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Opelika, there were a total of 7 murders, translating to 22 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Opelika?

AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Opelika to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 29% of people answered that there was very little crime in Opelika and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 71% 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 Opelika a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Opelika is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Opelika has an overall crime rate that is 53% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.11 daily occurrences, comprising 0.71 violent crimes and 2.4 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Opelika as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Opelika Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Opelika has decreased by 2.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Opelika 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 20.5%, while property crime has decreased by 7.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Opelika.

Potential Causes for Crime in Opelika

In Opelika, 79.3% 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.

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 Opelika, the cost of living is 7.65% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Opelika, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.82, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Opelika crime map