| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Olean/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 561 | n/a (estimate) | 4,136 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 14.7 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 103.2 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 31 | n/a | 228.5 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 47 | n/a (estimate) | 347 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 46 | n/a | 339.1 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 456 | n/a | 3,361.8 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 88.5 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 514 | n/a (estimate) | 3,789 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Olean crime rate is 95.2% 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 Olean, there were 47 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 347 per 100,000 individuals, 3.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Olean recorded 514 property crimes, amounting to 3789 per 100,000 residents, 115.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Olean has a crime rate of 4136 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 95.17%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Olean. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Olean exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 347 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Olean as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
Olean showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
With a property crime rate of 3789 crimes per 100,000 people, Olean unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Olean is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Olean. Based on the results of the surveys (20 responses), 55% of people felt that there was very little crime in Olean and felt safe walking alone at night. While 45% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Olean 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 Olean crime rate is 95% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.54 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 1.41 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Olean. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Olean has increased by 38.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 2.2%, while property crimes have increased by 43.2%. 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.
Olean has a poverty rate that stands at 23.9, 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 Olean 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.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Olean, the cost of living is 17.29% lower than the national average.
In Olean, the median home price stands at $137,830, 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 | Olean | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Shinglehouse, PA | 1,099 | 0 | 94 | 94 |
| Foster Brook, PA | 1,140 | 102 | 595 | 696 |
| Weston Mills, NY | 1,333 | 168 | 762 | 931 |
| Allegany, NY | 2,048 | 175 | 794 | 970 |
| Cuba, NY | 1,494 | 201 | 909 | 1,110 |
| St. Bonaventure, NY | 2,086 | 227 | 1,026 | 1,253 |
| Ellicottville, NY | 365 | 77 | 1,459 | 1,536 |
| Olean, NY | 14,052 | 347 | 3,789 | 4,136 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Marietta, OH | 14,053 | 272 | 1,437 | 1,710 |
| Holly Springs, GA | 14,053 | 5 | 485 | 490 |
| Monticello, MN | 14,058 | 248 | 1,549 | 1,796 |
| Roselle Park, NJ | 14,045 | 35 | 711 | 746 |
| Grimes, IA | 14,059 | 118 | 630 | 748 |
| Olean, NY | 14,052 | 347 | 3,789 | 4,136 |
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