| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hermiston/100k people | Oregon/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 691 | n/a (estimate) | 3,543 | 2,719 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 10.3 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 46.1 | 41.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 30.8 | 57.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 45 | n/a | 230.7 | 229.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 62 | n/a (estimate) | 318 | 331 | 359 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 153.8 | 306.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 568 | n/a | 2,912.2 | 1,789.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 31 | n/a | 158.9 | 292.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 629 | n/a (estimate) | 3,225 | 2,388 | 1,760 |

The Hermiston crime rates are 67.2% 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 62 violent crimes in Hermiston (318 per 100,000 people), which is 11.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 629 property crimes (3225 per 100,000 residents) which is 83.2% higher than average.
The violent crime rate in Hermiston closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 318 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Hermiston as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Hermiston is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Hermiston, which equates to 10 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Hermiston being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hermiston residents. Out of the respondents (10 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hermiston were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hermiston a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Hermiston crime rate is 67% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.89 crimes per day - 0.17 violent crimes and 1.72 property crimes.
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 Hermiston 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 Hermiston has increased by 24.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 26.5% and property crime has increased by 24.1%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Hermiston crime rates. Hermiston registers a population density of 2208.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Hermiston, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.05 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement 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 Hermiston, the average rental rates are $1,207 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Hermiston | Oregon | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 5,156 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Umatilla, OR | 7,361 | 216 | 977 | 1,192 |
| Irrigon, OR | 1,949 | 158 | 1,138 | 1,295 |
| Stanfield, OR | 2,600 | 173 | 1,247 | 1,420 |
| Echo, OR | 593 | 439 | 3,167 | 3,606 |
| Hermiston, OR | 18,009 | 318 | 3,225 | 3,543 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Centralia, WA | 18,008 | 270 | 2,738 | 3,008 |
| Bostonia, CA | 18,008 | 539 | 2,306 | 2,845 |
| Parole, MD | 18,012 | 171 | 836 | 1,008 |
| Redland, MD | 18,022 | 291 | 1,423 | 1,714 |
| Marion, IL | 18,022 | 469 | 2,931 | 3,399 |
| Hermiston, OR | 18,009 | 318 | 3,225 | 3,543 |