| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Poteau/100k people | Oklahoma/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 296 | n/a (estimate) | 3,231 | 2,401 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 43.7 | 59.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 10.9 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 22 | n/a | 240.1 | 318.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 295 | 423 | 359 |
| Burglary | 53 | n/a | 578.5 | 411.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 206 | n/a | 2,248.7 | 1,343.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 109.2 | 222.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 269 | n/a (estimate) | 2,936 | 1,978 | 1,760 |
The Poteau crime rates are 52.5% 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 27 violent crimes in Poteau (295 per 100,000 people), which is 17.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 269 property crimes (2936 per 100,000 residents) which is 66.8% higher than average.
Poteau 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 11 local residents in Poteau to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 36% of people answered that there was very little crime in Poteau and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 64% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Poteau is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Poteau has a total crime rate that is 52% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.81 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.74 daily property crimes) in Poteau.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Poteau. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Poteau has decreased by 20.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 27%, while property crimes have decreased by 19.7%. 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.
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 Poteau, the cost of living is 18.64% lower than the national average.
The median home price in Poteau is $201,355, 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.
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 $1,077 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| 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 |
| Bonanza, AR | 529 | 0 | 163 | 163 |
| Howe, OK | 949 | 0 | 310 | 310 |
| Hartford, AR | 781 | 0 | 403 | 403 |
| Pocola, OK | 4,181 | 152 | 455 | 607 |
| Hackett, AR | 977 | 230 | 461 | 691 |
| Shady Point, OK | 1,157 | 100 | 599 | 699 |
| Panama, OK | 1,439 | 195 | 914 | 1,109 |
| Poteau, OK | 9,140 | 295 | 2,936 | 3,231 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Glencoe, IL | 9,140 | 24 | 601 | 624 |
| Pine Lake Park, NJ | 9,140 | 214 | 1,401 | 1,615 |
| Southeast Arcadia, FL | 9,140 | 347 | 1,847 | 2,195 |
| Aliquippa, PA | 9,141 | 300 | 1,751 | 2,051 |
| Roanoke, TX | 9,141 | 107 | 1,226 | 1,333 |
| Poteau, OK | 9,140 | 295 | 2,936 | 3,231 |
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