| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oberlin/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 113 | n/a (estimate) | 1,519 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 53.8 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 13.4 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 94.1 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 161 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 40.3 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 98 | n/a | 1,317.6 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 1,358 | 1,551 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Oberlin is 28.3% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Oberlin, there were 12 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 161 per 100,000 individuals, 55.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 101 property crimes, amounting to 1358 per 100,000 residents, 22.9% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Oberlin 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.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Oberlin stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
Is Oberlin 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, Oberlin has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 28%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.31 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.28 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oberlin as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Oberlin. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Oberlin has increased by 5.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 71.4%, while property crimes have increased by 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.
Oberlin has a population density of 1739.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Oberlin crime rates.
In Oberlin, the cost of living is 4.7% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Oberlin stands at $293,531, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Oberlin | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Grafton, OH | 6,168 | 17 | 243 | 261 |
| Avon Lake, OH | 25,262 | 19 | 290 | 310 |
| Bay Village, OH | 15,639 | 51 | 328 | 379 |
| Sheffield, OH | 4,444 | 79 | 415 | 493 |
| LaGrange, OH | 2,441 | 83 | 439 | 522 |
| Vermilion, OH | 10,808 | 47 | 560 | 606 |
| Wakeman, OH | 1,355 | 100 | 527 | 627 |
| Oberlin, OH | 8,549 | 161 | 1,358 | 1,519 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brazil, IN | 8,552 | 644 | 1,847 | 2,491 |
| Hillsboro, TX | 8,553 | 135 | 1,859 | 1,995 |
| Grandview Heights, OH | 8,554 | 11 | 2,133 | 2,144 |
| Oak Hill, WV | 8,559 | 155 | 2,065 | 2,220 |
| Upper Saddle River, NJ | 8,538 | 76 | 501 | 577 |
| Oberlin, OH | 8,549 | 161 | 1,358 | 1,519 |
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