| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elk City/100k people | Oklahoma/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 189 | n/a (estimate) | 1,655 | 2,752 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 43.8 | 57.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 17.5 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 148.9 | 314.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 210 | 420 | 370 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 262.8 | 482.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 112 | n/a | 981.0 | 1,535.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 201.5 | 314.0 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 165 | n/a (estimate) | 1,445 | 2,332 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Elk City crime rate is lower than the national average by 28.8%. Specifically, there were 24 violent crimes in Elk City, equivalent to 210 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 43.2%. Furthermore, Elk City recorded 165 property crimes, amounting to 1445 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 26.1%.
Elk City showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Elk City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 67% of Elk City 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, 33% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Elk City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Elk City has a total crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.52 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.45 daily property crimes) in Elk City.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Elk City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Elk City has decreased by 19.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 41.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 24%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Elk City crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Elk City has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
In Elk City, the cost of living is 9.32% lower 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.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Elk City are $776, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Elk City | Oklahoma | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 6,557 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Oklahoma /100K | National /100K |
| Oklahoma | 7,097 | 203 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Butler, OK | 268 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hammon, OK | 499 | 0 | 215 | 215 |
| Burns Flat, OK | 1,974 | 0 | 666 | 666 |
| Sayre, OK | 4,480 | 92 | 825 | 917 |
| Foss, OK | 163 | 523 | 2,903 | 3,426 |
| Canute, OK | 507 | 529 | 2,939 | 3,469 |
| Carter, OK | 195 | 573 | 3,179 | 3,752 |
| Elk City, OK | 11,544 | 210 | 1,445 | 1,655 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Muscoy, CA | 11,546 | 762 | 3,570 | 4,332 |
| Valley Falls, RI | 11,548 | 176 | 1,312 | 1,487 |
| Somerset, KY | 11,548 | 247 | 1,857 | 2,104 |
| Magnolia, AR | 11,537 | 543 | 3,445 | 3,988 |
| Mountain Top, PA | 11,553 | 220 | 1,163 | 1,383 |
| Elk City, OK | 11,544 | 210 | 1,445 | 1,655 |
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