| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Odessa/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,851 | n/a (estimate) | 2,588 | 2,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 7.3 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 65 | n/a | 59.0 | 50.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 64 | n/a | 58.1 | 70.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 436 | n/a | 395.8 | 304.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 573 | n/a (estimate) | 520 | 432 | 370 |
| Burglary | 357 | n/a | 324.1 | 334.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,632 | n/a | 1,481.4 | 1,634.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 289 | n/a | 262.3 | 331.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,278 | n/a (estimate) | 2,068 | 2,300 | 1,954 |
The Odessa crime rates are 11.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 573 violent crimes in Odessa (520 per 100,000 people), which is 40.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2278 property crimes (2068 per 100,000 residents) which is 5.8% higher than average.
The Odessa crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Odessa, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Odessa maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Odessa, 2068 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Odessa residents. Out of the respondents (53 in total), 25% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Odessa were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 75% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Odessa is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Odessa has a total crime rate that is 11% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 7.81 daily crimes (1.57 violent daily crimes and 6.24 daily property crimes) in Odessa.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Odessa. 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 Odessa has decreased by 19.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 12.4%, while property crime has decreased by 21%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Odessa.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Odessa crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Odessa has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Odessa crime rates. For instance, in Odessa, the population density stands at 2382.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Odessa, the cost of living is 10.05% 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.
| Item | Odessa | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 204 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Gardendale, TX | 1,389 | 187 | 997 | 1,185 |
| Goldsmith, TX | 124 | 519 | 2,761 | 3,280 |
| West Odessa, TX | 26,117 | 605 | 3,223 | 3,828 |
| Odessa, TX | 122,630 | 520 | 2,068 | 2,588 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Columbia, MO | 122,659 | 472 | 2,615 | 3,086 |
| Hartford, CT | 122,549 | 570 | 2,478 | 3,048 |
| Victorville, CA | 122,958 | 940 | 1,812 | 2,753 |
| Berkeley, CA | 123,065 | 581 | 5,644 | 6,224 |
| Wilmington, NC | 122,162 | 532 | 2,866 | 3,398 |
| Odessa, TX | 122,630 | 520 | 2,068 | 2,588 |
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