Tulsa Crime Rate: Current Risks, Safer Areas and Local Safety Advice

Tulsa has a higher crime rate than many U.S. cities, but risk isn’t the same everywhere. Some neighborhoods stay quiet and stable, while others deal with more theft or violent incidents. Looking at the latest numbers helps us see what’s happening now and which crimes are most common, instead of relying on reputation alone.

In this guide, we break down the current Tulsa crime rate, explain how crime has been trending, and show where problems come up most. We also point out safer areas and share clear local safety advice, so you can choose where to stay, where to be more careful, and how to protect yourself day to day. Read on!

Tulsa Crime Rate: The Facts and Figures

Let's begin with an overview of the Tulsa OK crime rate:

1. Current Crime Rate in Tulsa

According to data from crimegrade.org, Tulsa's crime rate remains higher than the national urban average, ranking safer than only 19% of U.S. cities. The city records approximately 38.87 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Tulsa's crime incidents cost each resident an average of $559 per year, and when intangible losses such as emotional distress to victims and their families are included, this number rises to $1,716 per resident.

The downtown Tulsa area reports the highest number of annual crime cases—about 14,310. In contrast, the northwest part of the city has the fewest, at around 1,385 per year.

Here is the 2024 crime data from Offenses Known to Law Enforcement:

2. Common Types of Crimes in Tulsa

Crime is usually grouped into three buckets: violent crime, property crime, and other offenses. Different parts of a city can look very different, depending on things like jobs, income, and who lives there.

Crimegrade.org breaks Tulsa’s crime down by type to show where the bigger risks are. The numbers below are shown as crimes per 1,000 Tulsa residents, so it’s easier to compare each type side by side.

Violent Crime Rates

Property Crime Rates

Other crimes like kidnapping, drug cases, and animal abuse make up about 10% of all reports.

The main problem in Tulsa is property crime. Theft stands out the most, with a rate of around 14.53 crimes per 1,000 people, so it happens more than anything else. Burglary is next, which means break-ins to homes and businesses are still a regular risk.

Violent crime comes after property crime. Assault is the most common violent offense, so fights and attacks are the biggest concern on that side.

How Has Tulsa's Crime Rate Changed Over Time?

If you look at the last few years, Tulsa has been getting safer. City reports say crime has gone down step by step, so the answer to “Is Tulsa Oklahoma safe?” is leaning more toward yes than it used to.

The Tulsa Police Department shows that from 2021 to 2024, many kinds of crime dropped. The biggest falls were in major offenses, especially gun-related violent crimes. The table below compares those changes year by year.

Safest Areas and Crime Hotspots in Tulsa

So, is Tulsa OK safe to live in? Tulsa’s safety changes by neighborhood. Some areas are calm and family-focused, while others see more theft or violence. Here, we combine local reports and resident comments to highlight safer spots and places where caution is smarter for visitors and locals.

1. Safe Neighborhoods in Tulsa

These areas are a good fit if you want a calmer place to live or visit.

South Tulsa

The community vibe is relaxed, neighbors know each other, and the sense of safety is high. It's ideal for those who want to stay away from downtown hustle, with parks and weekend community activities nearby.

Brookside

Known for tree-lined streets and a rich cultural vibe, Brookside has plenty of small shops, boutiques, and cafés, with low crime rates. The pace of life is moderate, making it perfect for families or young residents.

Cherry Street

A trendy, lively neighborhood where modern living meets vintage aesthetics. The streets are filled with cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and independent shops. It's perfect for young people or those who enjoy a vibrant cultural scene.

Maple Ridge

One of Tulsa's wealthiest neighborhoods, Maple Ridge features historic homes and spacious streets. Strong neighborhood associations help maintain safety and preserve the area's unique heritage.

2. Crime Hotspots in Tulsa

These parts of the city have more trouble. Crime happens more often there, especially at night. You can still go, but it’s smarter to stay alert and be careful about where you walk or park.

Brady Arts District / Downtown

This is one of the busiest areas in Tulsa, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and arts venues. However, crime rates are relatively high, especially at night. Robberies, property crimes, and violent incidents can occur.

North Tulsa

Certain areas here are high-risk due to gang activity, drug issues, and lower economic conditions. Common crimes include violent offenses, burglaries, and property crimes.

West & East Tulsa (some neighborhoods)

These areas have lower economic conditions and less developed infrastructure, contributing to higher rates of violent and property crimes.

If you live near these higher-crime areas, home security can feel more important. A setup like the eufyCam S4 can help you keep an eye on the outside of your place, with a wide 4K view and auto-tracking that follows someone as they move, so you notice trouble early.

Safety Tips for Living in Tulsa

No matter where you are in Tulsa, a few simple habits can help you stay safer. Most of these are easy to follow and work best when you do them every day.

1. Use Police Resources

Before you visit a new area, check the TPD crime heat map. It shows where crime is happening more often, which helps you pick safer routes, parking spots, and places to spend time.

2. Stay aware when you’re out

Keep your head up, especially at night or in busy places. Walk on well-lit streets. If a block feels off, leave and take another way.

3. Stay away from active crime scenes

If you see police tape, flashing lights, or a crowd, don’t go closer. Move away. Scenes can change fast and you don’t want to get stuck in the middle.

4. Protect your vehicle

Cars are a common target. Don’t leave bags or valuables inside. If you put electronics in the trunk, turn them off and shut off Bluetooth first. Lock the car every time, even for short stops.

5. Report non-emergency crimes

If something happens that isn’t urgent, still report it. You can call Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS or submit the online form without giving your name. Small reports help police spot patterns.

6. Join neighborhood watch programs

Local watch groups and community meetings help people share what they’re seeing. This is useful in Tulsa because many property crimes repeat on the same streets.

7. Home Security and Surveillance Systems

A good home camera setup helps you spot trouble early in Tulsa. For outside areas, the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max gives full coverage. The top 4K camera keeps a wide view, while the lower PTZ camera can spin 360° and auto-zoom 8× to follow a person or car. If someone moves out of one camera’s range, another picks up the view, so you don’t miss what happens.

For indoor safety, the Indoor Cam S350 is a simple match. It has two 4K cameras and a 360° view, so it can cover the whole room. Night vision keeps the image clear after dark, and it’s useful for checking on pets or kids when you’re not home.

8. Use the doorbell to screen first

Front doors are a common test point. When someone knocks, check first instead of opening right away. The eufy Video Doorbell E340 lets you see the visitor and the area by your door at the same time. If it’s a delivery, you can grab it. If it’s a stranger, you can talk through the video doorbell or not answer.

9. Stay ahead with home sensors

Cameras show you what happens, but sensors warn you the second something starts, even if you’re asleep or away. Set the eufy ExpertSecure System to alert you when a door opens, smoke rises, or water leaks. These problems spread fast if you miss the first minutes, so early alerts help you act before a small issue turns into real damage.

Conclusion

Tulsa has some real safety issues, but it’s not all the same everywhere. The Tulsa crime rate is still higher than a lot of cities, but it has been improving, and the difference between neighborhoods is big. Areas like South Tulsa, Brookside, and Maple Ridge usually feel quieter, while parts of downtown and North Tulsa need more care, especially at night.

The best way to stay safe is simple. Pay attention to what’s around you. Keep your car locked and empty. Check local updates so you know what’s happening nearby. At home, some people add extra backup with eufy security cameras for more peace of mind.

FAQs

Is Tulsa a safe city for families to live in?

Tulsa can be safe for families, but it depends on where you live. South Tulsa, Brookside, and Maple Ridge are the usual picks because crime is lower and the areas feel stable, with parks and good schools nearby. Other parts of the city have more theft or violence, so families there need more caution. Choosing the right neighborhood matters most.

What is the worst part of Tulsa?

The roughest parts of Tulsa are usually North Tulsa, some areas in East Tulsa, and parts of downtown near the Brady Arts District. These spots see more theft and more violent crime than the rest of the city. Not every block is dangerous, but if you don’t know the area well, it’s smarter to be extra careful there, especially at night.

Is Downtown the safest area of Tulsa?

Downtown Tulsa is not the safest part of the city, so if you’re asking, “Is Tulsa safe?” there, the answer is mixed.

During the day, it feels busy and normal. There are offices, restaurants, and people around, so it can seem fine for most visitors.

At night, the risk goes up compared with quieter suburbs. Theft and some violent crimes happen more often downtown. If you go out late, stay in well-lit spots, don’t walk alone, and check local crime maps so you know which blocks to avoid.