| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | McAlester/100k people | Oklahoma/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 497 | n/a (estimate) | 2,741 | 2,401 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 5.5 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 27.6 | 59.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 38.6 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 54 | n/a | 297.8 | 318.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 67 | n/a (estimate) | 369 | 423 | 359 |
| Burglary | 72 | n/a | 397.0 | 411.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 320 | n/a | 1,764.6 | 1,343.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 38 | n/a | 209.6 | 222.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 430 | n/a (estimate) | 2,371 | 1,978 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the McAlester crime rate is 29.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of McAlester, there were 67 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 369 per 100,000 individuals, 2.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, McAlester recorded 430 property crimes, amounting to 2371 per 100,000 residents, 34.7% higher than the U.S. average.
McAlester exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 369 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores McAlester as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
AreaVibes surveyed 38 local residents in McAlester to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 24% of people answered that there was very little crime in McAlester and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 76% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether McAlester 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, McAlester has an overall crime rate that is 29% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.36 daily occurrences, comprising 0.18 violent crimes and 1.18 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of McAlester as a potential place to establish residency.
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 McAlester 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 McAlester has decreased by 5.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 34% and property crime has decreased by 9.7%.
McAlester has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.26 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In McAlester, the median home price stands at $176,295, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
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 McAlester, the average rental rates are $1,113 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | McAlester | Oklahoma | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 60 | 6,557 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Kiowa, OK | 694 | 499 | 832 | 1,331 |
| Krebs, OK | 2,205 | 291 | 1,259 | 1,550 |
| Hartshorne, OK | 1,852 | 373 | 1,863 | 2,235 |
| Arpelar, OK | 234 | 458 | 2,140 | 2,598 |
| Crowder, OK | 413 | 462 | 2,161 | 2,623 |
| Savanna, OK | 605 | 516 | 2,412 | 2,928 |
| Alderson, OK | 181 | 546 | 2,552 | 3,098 |
| McAlester, OK | 18,601 | 369 | 2,371 | 2,741 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nipomo, CA | 18,602 | 371 | 1,587 | 1,958 |
| Hurricane, UT | 18,604 | 205 | 1,045 | 1,250 |
| St. Matthews, KY | 18,592 | 127 | 5,096 | 5,223 |
| Buckhall, VA | 18,624 | 89 | 641 | 730 |
| Burke Centre, VA | 18,576 | 89 | 641 | 730 |
| McAlester, OK | 18,601 | 369 | 2,371 | 2,741 |