F
88%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
91%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePoteau/100k peopleOklahoma/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime388n/a (estimate)4,3742,7522,324
Murder2n/a22.56.76.3
Rape8n/a90.257.540.0
Robbery3n/a33.840.666.1
Assault43n/a484.7314.8268.2
Violent crime56n/a (estimate)631420370
Burglary95n/a1,070.9482.6269.8
Theft198n/a2,232.01,535.71,401.9
Vehicle theft39n/a439.6314.0282.7
Property crime332n/a (estimate)3,7432,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Poteau, OK

The Poteau crime rates are 88.2% 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 56 violent crimes in Poteau (631 per 100,000 people), which is 70.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 332 property crimes (3743 per 100,000 residents) which is 91.5% higher than average.

In Poteau, the crime rate stands at 4374 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 88.19%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Poteau that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Poteau 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 2 murders in Poteau, which is 23 murders per 100,000 people.

Poteau faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3743 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Poteau stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Poteau is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Poteau reported a total of 39 vehicle thefts, resulting in 440 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 228, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Poteau?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Poteau residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 11 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 36% of Poteau 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, 64% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Poteau a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Poteau 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, Poteau has an overall crime rate that is 88% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.06 daily occurrences, comprising 0.15 violent crimes and 0.91 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Poteau as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Poteau Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Poteau. 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 Poteau has increased by 4.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 51.4%, while property crime has increased by 0.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Poteau.

Potential Causes for Crime in Poteau

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Poteau crime rates. For instance, in Poteau, the population density stands at 333.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Poteau, there are 3.37 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

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 Poteau, the average rental rates are $710 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Poteau crime map



The Poteau crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Poteau as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Poteau crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Poteau crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Poteau, OK Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Poteau crime rates are 88% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Poteau are 71% higher than the national average
      • In Poteau you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Poteau is safer than 9% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Poteau has increased by 5%

      Poteau, OK Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Poteau (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Poteau, per 100,000 residents. In Poteau, the total number of daily crimes is 1.59 times more than the Oklahoma average and 1.88 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Poteau are 1.50 times more than the Oklahoma average and 1.71 times more than the national average. For property crime, Poteau has a daily crime rate that is 1.60 times more than the Oklahoma average and 1.91 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Poteau (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Poteau in comparison to other Oklahoma communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Poteau safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Poteau being safer than 5% of cities in Oklahoma and 9% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Oklahoma cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Poteau. In conclusion, Poteau ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Poteau

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Poteau is 1 in 159
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Poteau is 1 in 27
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Poteau is 1 in 23
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Poteau, Oklahoma you have a 1 in 159 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Poteau.

        Year Over Year Crime In Poteau (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Poteau is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Poteau violent crime rates have increased by 52%. At the same time, property crime has not changed year over year. Total crimes for Poteau has increased by 5% in the same time frame.

        Poteau police department

        Item Poteau Oklahoma National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)296,557558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.43.43.3
        There are a total of 29 Poteau police officers. This results in 3.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 1% less than the Oklahoma average and 3.6% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Oklahoma

        State Total offenders Oklahoma /100K National /100K
        Oklahoma7,097203266
        There are a total of 7,097 sex offenders in Oklahoma. This yields a total of 203 sex offenders in Oklahoma per 100,000 residents which is 24% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Hartford, AR7580200200
        Panama, OK1,40177387464
        Shady Point, OK1,1280505505
        Pocola, OK4,09491727818
        Howe, OK918159794952
        Wister, OK1,05401,0441,044
        Hackett, AR9583561,0691,425
        Poteau, OK8,8666313,7434,374

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        New Windsor, NY8,8664241,7032,127
        Plainedge, NY8,8652781,1171,396
        Newark, NY8,8685782,3222,900
        South Amboy, NJ8,8681291,2181,347
        Laurens, SC8,8636233,0623,685
        Poteau, OK8,8666313,7434,374
        Source: The Poteau, OK crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.