| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oakland/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39,831 | n/a (estimate) | 9,156 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 81 | n/a | 18.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 296 | n/a | 68.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2,960 | n/a | 680.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5,039 | n/a | 1,158.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8,376 | n/a (estimate) | 1,925 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3,423 | n/a | 786.8 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 18,118 | n/a | 4,164.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9,914 | n/a | 2,278.9 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 31,455 | n/a (estimate) | 7,230 | 2,078 | 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 Oakland crime rate is higher than the national average by 332%. Specifically, there were 8376 violent crimes in Oakland, equivalent to 1925 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 436.2%. Furthermore, Oakland recorded 31455 property crimes, amounting to 7230 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 310.8%.
Having a crime rate of 9156 per 100,000 residents, Oakland experiences a crime rate that is 332.03% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Oakland contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Oakland ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1925 per 100,000 people, Oakland is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Oakland, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Oakland stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Oakland, there were a total of 81 murders, translating to 19 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Oakland faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 7230 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Oakland stands at 1 in 14, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Oakland faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 9914 vehicle thefts, translating to 2279 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Oakland in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 44.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Oakland residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 409 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland crime rate is 332% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 109.13 crimes per day - 22.95 violent crimes and 86.18 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Oakland. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Oakland has increased by 40.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 48.2%, while property crimes have increased by 39.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Oakland, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 129 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Oakland are areas such as Forestland, Joaquin Miller Park and Montclair, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Castlemont, Fremont and Hegenberger are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Oakland has a population density of 7717.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Oakland crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Oakland, the cost of living is 86.71% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Oakland are $2,329, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Oakland | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 891 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Castle Hill, CA | 1,189 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Shell Ridge, CA | 1,112 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Alhambra Valley, CA | 1,079 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Belvedere, CA | 2,297 | 0 | 444 | 444 |
| Reliez Valley, CA | 3,394 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Marin City, CA | 3,138 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| East Richmond Heights, CA | 3,586 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Oakland, CA | 431,366 | 1,925 | 7,230 | 9,156 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Minneapolis, MN | 439,880 | 1,160 | 5,143 | 6,303 |
| Tulsa, OK | 411,711 | 942 | 3,627 | 4,569 |
| New Orleans, LA | 406,893 | 362 | 1,596 | 1,958 |
| Arlington, TX | 406,065 | 483 | 2,413 | 2,896 |
| Tampa, FL | 403,927 | 445 | 1,465 | 1,910 |
| Oakland, CA | 431,366 | 1,925 | 7,230 | 9,156 |
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