| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oakdale/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 369 | n/a (estimate) | 1,605 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 74.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 12 | n/a | 52.2 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 62 | n/a | 269.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 91 | n/a (estimate) | 396 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 143.6 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 208 | n/a | 904.8 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 37 | n/a | 161.0 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 278 | n/a (estimate) | 1,209 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Oakdale is 24.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 91 violent crimes reported in Oakdale, equivalent to 396 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 10.2%. Additionally, Oakdale recorded 278 property crimes, amounting to 1209 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 31.3%.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Oakdale has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 396 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In the most recently reported crime year, Oakdale registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Oakdale residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 36% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Oakdale were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 64% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Oakdale 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, Oakdale has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 24%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.01 daily incidents, encompassing 0.25 violent crimes and 0.76 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oakdale as a potential place to call home.
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 Oakdale 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 Oakdale has decreased by 0.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 51.7% and property crime has decreased by 10.3%.
Oakdale has a poverty rate that stands at 10.7, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Oakdale crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Oakdale reports an unemployment rate of 7.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Oakdale crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Oakdale, the cost of living is 29.51% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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| Item | Oakdale | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Del Rio, CA | 1,266 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| East Oakdale, CA | 2,465 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Hughson, CA | 7,730 | 168 | 413 | 581 |
| Waterford, CA | 9,228 | 181 | 884 | 1,065 |
| Rouse, CA | 1,724 | 264 | 1,127 | 1,390 |
| Airport, CA | 1,306 | 265 | 1,132 | 1,397 |
| Parklawn, CA | 1,891 | 272 | 1,162 | 1,434 |
| Oakdale, CA | 23,805 | 396 | 1,209 | 1,605 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Auburn, ME | 23,804 | 216 | 2,428 | 2,644 |
| Farmington, MN | 23,819 | 79 | 333 | 413 |
| Rock Springs, WY | 23,823 | 127 | 1,278 | 1,405 |
| Oxford, OH | 23,787 | 285 | 1,505 | 1,790 |
| Leesburg, FL | 23,785 | 380 | 2,177 | 2,557 |
| Oakdale, CA | 23,805 | 396 | 1,209 | 1,605 |