Oregon is a state in the US known for its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. It's made up of diverse regions, including an ocean, mountains, valleys, high deserts, cities, and small towns. In total, there are 241 cities with a population of approximately 4.2 million.
We are here with a list of the top 10 safest cities in Oregon. We will share the crime rate of the state and these cities to give you a clear idea of the safety and crime rates. We will also explain how residents can ensure their safety while living in Oregon.
Is Oregon a Safe Place to Live?
It depends on the city you are living in. Cities like West Linn, Canby, Sandy, and Lake Oswego are quite safe and have a very low crime rate. However, there are some cities, such as Portland, Coos Bay, and Ontario, where the crime rate is high.
Oregon's total number of crimes reported is 123,485. Which consists of 13,813 violent crimes and 109,672 property crimes.
The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents is 3.26, while the property crime rate per 1,000 residents is 25.91. Which brings a total crime rate of 29.17.
Compared to the national average, which is 4 per 1,000 residents, the violent crime rate in Oregon is still lower. However, the property crime rate is a bit higher compared to the national median of 19.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 306, and property crime is 1 in 39. According to the statistics, the crime rate has decreased year-on-year. However, Oregonians are more worried about their safety than ever before.
Source: NeighborhoodScout (Oregon)
Top 10 Safest Cities in Oregon
West Linn
West Linn is considered one of the safest cities in Oregon, with a decrease in the crime rate year-on-year. It's safer than 39% of the US cities, making it an ideal place to live in.
Even though the total population is over 25,000, the crime rate is quite low. The violent crime rate is only 0.59, while the property crime rate is 10.82 per 1,000 residents.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in West Linn are 1 in 1,775, which is why residents feel safe.
Sandy
Sandy has a population of around 13,000 residents. It's also a very safe city like West Linn with a very low number of crimes.
The total crimes reported in the city are only 163, out of which the violent crimes are 8 and the property crimes are 155.
Its violent crime rate is 0.62, and its property crime rate is 11.97 per 1,000 residents. Which makes it safer than 36% of US cities. Most importantly, there were "0" murders reported in the FBI report (2024).
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 1,618, and property crime is 1 in 84.
Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego's crime rate is way lower than the national median and Oregon's overall crime rate. The total number of crimes reported in a year is 558, with 24 violent crimes and 534 property crimes.
The violent crime rate of the city is 0.60, and the property crime rate is 13.38 per 1,000 residents. So, the total crime rate becomes 13.98 per 1,000 residents.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 1,664, and property crime is 1 in 75. It is safer than 32% of US cities.
Canby
Canby is safer than 44% of US cities. Its total crime rate is 10.03 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1.34, and the property crime rate is 8.69 per 1,000 residents.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 748, and property crime is 1 in 115. The city had "0" murders in the whole year.
The violent crimes majorly consist of assault with a rate of 0.78, rate with a rate of 0.39, and robbery with a rate of 0.17 per 1,000 residents. The property crimes are mostly theft, and burglary and motor vehicle theft cases are almost equal.
It has a population of around 18,000. But still, the crime rate is very low.
Milwaukie
Milwaukie's total crime rate per 1,000 residents is 10.98, which consists of a 1.53 violent crime rate and a 9.45 property crime rate. Its total population is around 21,500.
Its crime rate is half of Oregon's total crime rate. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 654. The most common violent crimes are assault, followed by rape and robbery.
The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 106. The most common property crime is theft, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft.
Lebanon
Despite the high population of around 20,000 residents, Lebanon's crime rate is lower than Oregon's crime rate. It's safer than 38% of the US cities.
The violent crime rate in the city is 1.42, and the property crime rate is 10.54 per 1,000 residents. The total crime rate is 11.96.
The chances of becoming a victim of property crime are 1 in 705, and property crime is 1 in 95. With "0" murder reports, "2" rape cases, "4" robbery cases, and "22" assaults were reported in a year.
Independence
Independence's total population is approximately 10,400. Its crime rate is extremely low. The violent crime rate is 1.8 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 11.2.
The violent crimes in the city are less, especially the reports of murder and rape are zero. Theft is quite common among property crimes, but still less than the national average.
Monmouth
Monmouth is safer than 31% of the US cities. Its population is around 11,300, and the total crime rate is 14.55 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 1.51 per 1,000 residents with 17 reports, and the property crime rate is 13.04 per 1,000 residents with 147 reports.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 663, and property crime is 1 in 77. There are no murder and robbery cases reported in the FBI report (2024).
Silverton
Silverton is also considered a very safe city in Oregon. It is safer than 33% of the US cities.
The total crime rate of the city is 13.64 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1.55, while the property crime rate is 12.09.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 646, and property crime is 1 in 83.
Central Point
Central Point's overall crime rate is 15.02 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1.72, while the property crime rate is 13.30.
Its crime rate is a bit higher than that of other cities we have listed. However, there are still "0" murders reported.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 581, and property crime is 1 in 75.
Source: NeighborhoodScout, Niche, SafeWise
Common Crimes in Oregon
Violent Crimes
Assault: It's the most common crime in Oregon. More than 9,000 cases were reported in the FBI report (2024).
Robbery: The second most common crime in Oregon. Total reported cases were 2600+.
Rape and murder cases are low in Oregon compared to other states. In many cities, there are zero murder cases.
Property Crimes
Theft: Oregon's theft cases are 77,789 in total within a year. Which is equal to an 18.38 crime rate per 1,000 residents.
Motor Vehicle Theft: It's in second place with 17,500 cases. The crime rate is 4.13 per 1,000 residents.
Burglary: Total burglary cases reported are 14,383, which makes a 3.40 crime rate per 1,000 residents.
Source: NeighborhoodScout (Oregon)
How Residents Can Ensure Safety in Oregon?
Here are some effective safety measures and tips that Oregonians can opt for.
Install a Security Camera System
A security camera system is the best way to safeguard your valuable assets and ensure the safety of your family.
For top-notch security, you can go with eufy ExpertSecure System E10. It is an uninterrupted video alarm system with 24/7 expert monitoring. It keeps your home safe from break-ins and threats. Be it fire, smoke, flooding, or freezing, it protects you in every scenario. Even if there is suspicious activity, the monitoring team is ready for a rapid response. The evidence is saved for the authorities and insurance companies.
And if you are looking for a robust security camera system, you can go with eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max. It's equipped with four triple lens security cameras that offer wide-angle and close-up views at the same time. It comes with an NVR that stores all your data with encryption. All cameras sync to ensure maximum protection. They track every movement and detect threats with the local AI agent.
Get a Guard Dog
A guard dog is an effective way to keep thieves, burglars, and trespassers away from your property. They will not dare to enter after seeing your dog. It will not only keep intruders away but also safeguard family members from potential danger.
Firearm
Most Oregonians keep firearms for their safety. It could be an effective safety measure, just make sure to know the laws of keeping a firearm and using it.
Night Time Safety
At night, you need to be extra careful. Walk confidently and avoid isolated areas. Stick to well-lit areas and don't engage with strangers. Always keep your valuables safe and out of sight.
Community and Engagement Programs
Take part in community and engagement programs. These are effective for reducing crime in society and helping each other. It will keep you updated about the crimes in the city or state and what you can do to avoid them.
FAQs
Is crime going down in Oregon?
Yes, the crimes in Oregon are going down year by year. However, there is still fear among the residents of becoming a victim of crimes, especially gun violence.
Where does Oregon rank in crime rate?
Oregon's crime rate is much lower than the national average (Violent Crime Rate = 4, Property Crime Rate = 19). The violent crime rate of the state is 3.26, and the property crime rate is 25.91 per 1,000 residents.
Where is the best place to live in Oregon?
Some cities in Oregon are extremely safe. You can consider West Linn, Sandy, and Lake Oswego, as their crime rates are quite low.
