| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. Helens/100k people | Oregon/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 175 | n/a (estimate) | 1,197 | 2,719 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 34.2 | 41.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 6.8 | 57.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 34 | n/a | 232.6 | 229.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 274 | 331 | 359 |
| Burglary | 32 | n/a | 218.9 | 306.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 93 | n/a | 636.3 | 1,789.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 68.4 | 292.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 135 | n/a (estimate) | 924 | 2,388 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in St. Helens is 43.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 40 violent crimes reported in St. Helens, equivalent to 274 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 23.8%. Additionally, St. Helens recorded 135 property crimes, amounting to 924 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 47.5%.
St. Helens 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 has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in St. Helens. Based on the results of the surveys (11 responses), 45% of people felt that there was very little crime in St. Helens and felt safe walking alone at night. While 55% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether St. Helens 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, St. Helens has an overall crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.48 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of St. Helens as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in St. Helens has decreased by 20.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of St. Helens, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 25%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not St. Helens is a safe place to live.
St. Helens has a poverty rate that stands at 12.6, 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 St. Helens 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.
In St. Helens, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.38 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In St. Helens, the average monthly rent stands at $1,466, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | St. Helens | Oregon | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 5,156 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Oregon /100K | National /100K |
| Oregon | 883 | 24 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Columbia City, OR | 1,813 | 0 | 258 | 258 |
| Warren, OR | 1,923 | 46 | 335 | 382 |
| Duluth, WA | 1,276 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Lewisville, WA | 2,223 | 51 | 387 | 438 |
| Meadow Glade, WA | 2,850 | 54 | 406 | 460 |
| La Center, WA | 3,413 | 64 | 552 | 616 |
| Brush Prairie, WA | 2,783 | 92 | 698 | 790 |
| St. Helens, OR | 14,078 | 274 | 924 | 1,197 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Royse City, TX | 14,081 | 103 | 899 | 1,002 |
| Andrews, TX | 14,081 | 378 | 1,185 | 1,563 |
| Forest City, FL | 14,081 | 124 | 661 | 786 |
| Marshall, MN | 14,075 | 273 | 718 | 991 |
| Waimalu, HI | 14,084 | 196 | 1,755 | 1,951 |
| St. Helens, OR | 14,078 | 274 | 924 | 1,197 |