| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oak Grove/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 221 | n/a (estimate) | 2,768 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 25.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 37.6 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 87.7 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 125.2 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 22 | n/a (estimate) | 276 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 27 | n/a | 338.1 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 155 | n/a | 1,941.1 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 212.9 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 199 | n/a (estimate) | 2,492 | 1,350 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Oak Grove crime rate is 30.6% 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 Oak Grove, there were 22 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 276 per 100,000 individuals, 23.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Oak Grove recorded 199 property crimes, amounting to 2492 per 100,000 residents, 41.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Oak Grove stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Oak Grove, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 25 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
What do the local residents think about crime in Oak Grove? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 33% of Oak Grove residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 67% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Oak Grove a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Oak Grove has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 31%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.61 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.55 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oak Grove as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Oak Grove. 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 Oak Grove has decreased by 11.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 18.5%, while property crime has decreased by 10.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Oak Grove.
In Oak Grove, the cost of living is 10.59% 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.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Oak Grove, there are 3.08 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 Oak Grove are $1,393, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Oak Grove | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kentucky /100K | National /100K |
| Kentucky | 9,099 | 222 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Trenton, KY | 410 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pembroke, KY | 742 | 0 | 569 | 569 |
| Guthrie, KY | 1,350 | 150 | 525 | 675 |
| Elkton, KY | 2,133 | 175 | 699 | 874 |
| Fairview, KY | 240 | 162 | 1,027 | 1,189 |
| Fairview city, KY | 151 | 226 | 1,435 | 1,662 |
| Clarksville, TN | 160,664 | 410 | 1,632 | 2,042 |
| Oak Grove, KY | 7,524 | 276 | 2,492 | 2,768 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Cumberland, PA | 7,524 | 53 | 437 | 489 |
| Garden Home-Whitford, OR | 7,521 | 108 | 777 | 884 |
| Waikele, HI | 7,519 | 139 | 1,238 | 1,377 |
| Pleasantville, NY | 7,529 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Globe, AZ | 7,530 | 811 | 5,408 | 6,219 |
| Oak Grove, KY | 7,524 | 276 | 2,492 | 2,768 |