| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oil City/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 84 | n/a (estimate) | 903 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 32.2 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 86.0 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 118 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 32.2 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 67 | n/a | 720.2 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 32.2 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 73 | n/a (estimate) | 785 | 1,435 | 1,760 |

The Oil City crime rates are 57.4% lower 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 11 violent crimes in Oil City (118 per 100,000 people), which is 67.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 73 property crimes (785 per 100,000 residents) which is 55.4% lower than average.
Oil City has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 118 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Oil City ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Oil City experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Oil City residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 18% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Oil City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 82% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Oil City 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, Oil City has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 57%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.23 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.2 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Oil City as a potential place to call home.
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 Oil City, 82.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Oil City, there are 2.19 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 Oil City are $981, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Oil City | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Polk, PA | 796 | 0 | 161 | 161 |
| Knox, PA | 1,032 | 0 | 468 | 468 |
| Sugarcreek, PA | 5,116 | 149 | 384 | 534 |
| Titusville, PA | 5,358 | 292 | 292 | 584 |
| Marianne, PA | 1,071 | 86 | 501 | 587 |
| Hasson Heights, PA | 1,537 | 101 | 587 | 688 |
| Woodland Heights, PA | 1,185 | 113 | 660 | 773 |
| Oil City, PA | 10,033 | 118 | 785 | 903 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Walker Mill, MD | 10,032 | 385 | 1,881 | 2,266 |
| Mayfield, KY | 10,031 | 197 | 1,891 | 2,088 |
| Uniontown, PA | 10,028 | 857 | 3,291 | 4,148 |
| Richmond Heights, FL | 10,026 | 194 | 1,033 | 1,228 |
| Hamburg, NY | 10,025 | 327 | 1,480 | 1,807 |
| Oil City, PA | 10,033 | 118 | 785 | 903 |