| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Poteau/100k people | Oklahoma/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 388 | n/a (estimate) | 4,374 | 2,752 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 22.5 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 90.2 | 57.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 33.8 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 43 | n/a | 484.7 | 314.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 631 | 420 | 370 |
| Burglary | 95 | n/a | 1,070.9 | 482.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 198 | n/a | 2,232.0 | 1,535.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 439.6 | 314.0 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 332 | n/a (estimate) | 3,743 | 2,332 | 1,954 |
The Poteau crime rates are 88.2% 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 56 violent crimes in Poteau (631 per 100,000 people), which is 70.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 332 property crimes (3743 per 100,000 residents) which is 91.5% higher than average.
In Poteau, the crime rate stands at 4374 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 88.19%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Poteau that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Poteau has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 2 murders in Poteau, which is 23 murders per 100,000 people.
Poteau faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3743 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Poteau stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Poteau is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Poteau reported a total of 39 vehicle thefts, resulting in 440 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 228, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Poteau residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 11 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 36% of Poteau residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 64% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Poteau 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, Poteau has an overall crime rate that is 88% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.06 daily occurrences, comprising 0.15 violent crimes and 0.91 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Poteau 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 Poteau. 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 Poteau has increased by 4.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 51.4%, while property crime has increased by 0.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Poteau.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Poteau crime rates. For instance, in Poteau, the population density stands at 333.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Poteau, there are 3.37 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 rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Poteau, the average rental rates are $710 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Poteau | Oklahoma | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 6,557 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Hartford, AR | 758 | 0 | 200 | 200 |
| Panama, OK | 1,401 | 77 | 387 | 464 |
| Shady Point, OK | 1,128 | 0 | 505 | 505 |
| Pocola, OK | 4,094 | 91 | 727 | 818 |
| Howe, OK | 918 | 159 | 794 | 952 |
| Wister, OK | 1,054 | 0 | 1,044 | 1,044 |
| Hackett, AR | 958 | 356 | 1,069 | 1,425 |
| Poteau, OK | 8,866 | 631 | 3,743 | 4,374 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Windsor, NY | 8,866 | 424 | 1,703 | 2,127 |
| Plainedge, NY | 8,865 | 278 | 1,117 | 1,396 |
| South Amboy, NJ | 8,868 | 129 | 1,218 | 1,347 |
| Newark, NY | 8,868 | 578 | 2,322 | 2,900 |
| Redlands, CO | 8,863 | 418 | 2,676 | 3,094 |
| Poteau, OK | 8,866 | 631 | 3,743 | 4,374 |
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