| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. Helens/100k people | Oregon/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 204 | n/a (estimate) | 1,421 | 3,278 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 20.9 | 40.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 7.0 | 68.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 36 | n/a | 250.8 | 228.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 279 | 342 | 370 |
| Burglary | 46 | n/a | 320.4 | 360.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 81 | n/a | 564.2 | 2,023.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 37 | n/a | 257.7 | 551.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 164 | n/a (estimate) | 1,142 | 2,935 | 1,954 |
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 St. Helens is 38.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 40 violent crimes reported in St. Helens, equivalent to 279 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 24.7%. Additionally, St. Helens recorded 164 property crimes, amounting to 1142 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 41.6%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, St. Helens reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in St. Helens. Based on the results of the surveys (11 responses), 45% of people felt that there was very little crime in St. Helens and felt safe walking alone at night. While 55% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether St. Helens 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, St. Helens has an overall crime rate that is 39% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.56 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.45 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of St. Helens as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in St. Helens. 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 St. Helens has decreased by 7.3%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 8.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in St. Helens.
In St. Helens, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.6%, 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 St. Helens crime rates.
In St. Helens, the cost of living is 5.27% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
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 St. Helens, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.38, 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.
| Item | St. Helens | Oregon | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 5,156 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Oregon /100K | National /100K |
| Oregon | 883 | 24 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Duluth, WA | 1,249 | 53 | 471 | 524 |
| Warren, OR | 1,876 | 80 | 690 | 770 |
| Columbia City, OR | 1,770 | 51 | 919 | 970 |
| Meadow Glade, WA | 2,774 | 107 | 959 | 1,066 |
| Lewisville, WA | 2,166 | 112 | 1,000 | 1,112 |
| Ridgefield, WA | 8,751 | 104 | 1,141 | 1,244 |
| Scappoose, OR | 7,436 | 148 | 1,345 | 1,493 |
| St. Helens, OR | 13,779 | 279 | 1,142 | 1,421 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lockhart, TX | 13,782 | 126 | 810 | 936 |
| Wood Dale, IL | 13,783 | 250 | 1,469 | 1,719 |
| Royse City, TX | 13,773 | 231 | 1,698 | 1,929 |
| Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, NY | 13,786 | 246 | 988 | 1,235 |
| Bridgetown, OH | 13,786 | 288 | 1,747 | 2,035 |
| St. Helens, OR | 13,779 | 279 | 1,142 | 1,421 |
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