| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ponca City/100k people | Oklahoma/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 748 | n/a (estimate) | 3,080 | 2,401 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 8.2 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 86.5 | 59.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 41.2 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 107 | n/a | 440.6 | 318.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 140 | n/a (estimate) | 576 | 423 | 359 |
| Burglary | 142 | n/a | 584.7 | 411.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 395 | n/a | 1,626.4 | 1,343.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 71 | n/a | 292.3 | 222.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 608 | n/a (estimate) | 2,504 | 1,978 | 1,760 |
The Ponca City crime rates are 45.3% 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 140 violent crimes in Ponca City (576 per 100,000 people), which is 60.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 608 property crimes (2504 per 100,000 residents) which is 42.2% higher than average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Ponca City. Based on the results of the surveys (19 responses), 21% of people felt that there was very little crime in Ponca City and felt safe walking alone at night. While 79% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Ponca City 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, Ponca City has an overall crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.05 daily occurrences, comprising 0.38 violent crimes and 1.67 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Ponca City as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ponca City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ponca City has decreased by 27.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 27.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 27.5%. 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.
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 Ponca City, 81% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Ponca City has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.92 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
Ponca City has an average rental rate of $1,043 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Ponca City | Oklahoma | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 74 | 6,557 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Oklahoma /100K | National /100K |
| Oklahoma | 7,097 | 203 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McCord, OK | 1,638 | 117 | 547 | 664 |
| Newkirk, OK | 2,129 | 46 | 1,193 | 1,239 |
| Tonkawa, OK | 3,065 | 301 | 1,638 | 1,939 |
| Blackwell, OK | 6,777 | 445 | 2,141 | 2,585 |
| Kaw City, OK | 290 | 456 | 2,134 | 2,590 |
| Kildare, OK | 74 | 495 | 2,313 | 2,807 |
| Braman, OK | 176 | 572 | 2,673 | 3,245 |
| Ponca City, OK | 24,463 | 576 | 2,504 | 3,080 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Forney, TX | 24,467 | 156 | 652 | 808 |
| Lathrop, CA | 24,457 | 303 | 1,421 | 1,723 |
| North Haven, CT | 24,450 | 37 | 2,625 | 2,662 |
| Saginaw, TX | 24,477 | 258 | 1,379 | 1,637 |
| North Platte, NE | 24,487 | 148 | 2,582 | 2,730 |
| Ponca City, OK | 24,463 | 576 | 2,504 | 3,080 |
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