| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Odessa/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,505 | n/a (estimate) | 2,159 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 3.4 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 62 | n/a | 53.4 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 45 | n/a | 38.8 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 256 | n/a | 220.6 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 367 | n/a (estimate) | 316 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 255 | n/a | 219.8 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,588 | n/a | 1,368.5 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 295 | n/a | 254.2 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,138 | n/a (estimate) | 1,842 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Odessa crime rate is 1.9% 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 Odessa, there were 367 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 316 per 100,000 individuals, 11.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Odessa recorded 2138 property crimes, amounting to 1842 per 100,000 residents, 4.7% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Odessa per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Odessa crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Odessa is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Odessa reported 316 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
Odessa maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Odessa, 1842 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 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 (56 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 get a feel for the safety of living in Odessa, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Odessa presents a total crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Odessa experiences an average of 6.86 daily crimes, comprising 1.01 violent incidents and 5.86 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 29.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 43.9%, while property crime has decreased by 25.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Odessa.
Odessa has a poverty rate that stands at 13, 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 Odessa 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.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Odessa, 71.6% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Odessa, the median home price stands at $282,621, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| 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 | 1,443 | 66 | 344 | 409 |
| Goldsmith, TX | 127 | 408 | 2,140 | 2,548 |
| West Odessa, TX | 26,972 | 475 | 2,489 | 2,964 |
| Odessa, TX | 125,590 | 316 | 1,842 | 2,159 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 125,691 | 302 | 1,716 | 2,018 |
| Columbia, MO | 125,431 | 348 | 2,318 | 2,665 |
| Hartford, CT | 125,397 | 516 | 2,846 | 3,361 |
| Victorville, CA | 126,104 | 1,016 | 2,129 | 3,144 |
| Wilmington, NC | 125,049 | 483 | 3,515 | 3,998 |
| Odessa, TX | 125,590 | 316 | 1,842 | 2,159 |