| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lawton/100k people | Oklahoma/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,133 | n/a (estimate) | 3,473 | 2,401 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 9 | n/a | 10.0 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 129 | n/a | 143.0 | 59.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 65 | n/a | 72.1 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 537 | n/a | 595.3 | 318.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 740 | n/a (estimate) | 820 | 423 | 359 |
| Burglary | 840 | n/a | 931.2 | 411.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,345 | n/a | 1,491.0 | 1,343.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 208 | n/a | 230.6 | 222.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,393 | n/a (estimate) | 2,653 | 1,978 | 1,760 |
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 Lawton crime rate is higher than the national average by 63.9%. Specifically, there were 740 violent crimes in Lawton, equivalent to 820 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 128.4%. Furthermore, Lawton recorded 2393 property crimes, amounting to 2653 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 50.7%.
With a violent crime rate of 820 crimes per 100,000 residents, Lawton is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Lawton ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lawton residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 135 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Lawton 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, 79% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lawton 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 Lawton crime rate is 64% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 8.58 crimes per day - 2.03 violent crimes and 6.56 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lawton has increased by 117.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lawton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 36%, while property crime has increased by 166.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lawton is a safe place to live.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lawton currently has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 Lawton crime rates. For instance, in Lawton, the population density stands at 1199.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Lawton has a median home price of $201,928, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Lawton | Oklahoma | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 238 | 6,557 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Elgin, OK | 3,200 | 0 | 83 | 83 |
| Fletcher, OK | 1,006 | 0 | 159 | 159 |
| Sterling, OK | 698 | 299 | 0 | 299 |
| Chattanooga, OK | 474 | 0 | 489 | 489 |
| Medicine Park, OK | 325 | 0 | 835 | 835 |
| Geronimo, OK | 1,227 | 0 | 858 | 858 |
| Cache, OK | 2,903 | 344 | 625 | 969 |
| Lawton, OK | 97,207 | 820 | 2,653 | 3,473 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lynn, MA | 97,235 | 575 | 1,171 | 1,745 |
| South Gate, CA | 97,255 | 526 | 3,599 | 4,124 |
| Sunrise, FL | 97,297 | 252 | 1,342 | 1,594 |
| New Bedford, MA | 97,315 | 353 | 1,359 | 1,712 |
| Livonia, MI | 97,392 | 228 | 1,262 | 1,490 |
| Lawton, OK | 97,207 | 820 | 2,653 | 3,473 |
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