| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Opelika/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,097 | n/a (estimate) | 3,185 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 8.7 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 49.3 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 19 | n/a | 55.2 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 154 | n/a | 447.1 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 193 | n/a (estimate) | 560 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 71 | n/a | 206.1 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 764 | n/a | 2,217.8 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 69 | n/a | 200.3 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 904 | n/a (estimate) | 2,624 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
The Opelika crime rates are 50.3% 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 193 violent crimes in Opelika (560 per 100,000 people), which is 56% higher than the national average and there were a total of 904 property crimes (2624 per 100,000 residents) which is 49.1% higher than average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Opelika? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 29% of Opelika residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 71% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Opelika is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Opelika has an overall crime rate that is 50% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.01 daily occurrences, comprising 0.53 violent crimes and 2.48 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Opelika as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Opelika. 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 Opelika has decreased by 5.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 10.2%, while property crime has decreased by 4.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Opelika.
Opelika has a population density of 525.3 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 Opelika crime rates.
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 Opelika, there are 3.82 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.
The median home price in Opelika is $281,479, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Opelika | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 104 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huguley, AL | 2,886 | 139 | 605 | 744 |
| Waverly, AL | 262 | 145 | 632 | 778 |
| West Point, GA | 3,956 | 163 | 837 | 1,000 |
| Auburn, AL | 67,890 | 107 | 979 | 1,086 |
| Loachapoka, AL | 196 | 261 | 1,136 | 1,398 |
| Cusseta, AL | 102 | 352 | 1,530 | 1,882 |
| Lanett, AL | 6,388 | 792 | 3,079 | 3,871 |
| Opelika, AL | 31,335 | 560 | 2,624 | 3,185 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 31,333 | 137 | 698 | 835 |
| Lawrenceville, GA | 31,316 | 324 | 2,173 | 2,497 |
| Gloucester, MA | 31,315 | 278 | 552 | 830 |
| Eldersburg, MD | 31,301 | 294 | 1,435 | 1,729 |
| Crown Point, IN | 31,396 | 77 | 531 | 608 |
| Opelika, AL | 31,335 | 560 | 2,624 | 3,185 |
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