Crime in Eugene, Oregon is higher than the national average, especially when it comes to property crime. People living in Eugene have about a 1 in 31 chance of having their property stolen or damaged, which is more common than in many other cities across the country.
While violent crime is not unusually high, residents still report concerns about things like bike theft and car break-ins.
Eugene is known for being a welcoming and energetic community, especially with its parks and the University of Oregon nearby. Safety remains an important topic for both new and long-time residents.
Some reports show that the city is 55% higher than the national average for overall crime. Violent crime rates are actually a bit lower than the national average.
Understanding what types of crime are most common and how Eugene compares to other cities can help people make informed decisions about living or visiting. Everyone wants to know the real story behind the numbers and what they can do to stay safe.
Overview of Crime Rates in Eugene, Oregon
Crime in Eugene, Oregon, varies by type. Property crime is much more common than violent crime, and numbers can be different from other parts of the country.
Current Crime Statistics
Eugene has a higher crime rate compared to many cities. For every 1,000 residents, there are about 18 crimes each day.
Most of these are property crimes, such as theft, burglary, and car break-ins. Violent crime is less common but still happens.
The chance of being a victim of violent crime in the city is about 1 in 282 people. This covers crimes like assault and robbery.
In 2021, the police responded to a slightly higher number of calls than in the past few years. To see more data, visit the city’s official crime page.
Types of crime often reported in Eugene:
- Theft
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle theft
- Assault
Comparison to National Averages
Eugene’s crime rate is higher than the national average. Property crime stands out, with rates about 63% above what is typical across the United States.
This means residents are more likely to be victims of theft or burglary than people living in many other cities. For violent crime, Eugene is closer to the national average, though it is still a little higher.
The city has a property crime rate of about 1 in 31, which is a noticeable difference from most American cities. For more details, AreaVibes has a full comparison of Eugene crime rates to the nation.
Crime Rate Comparison Table
| Area | Property Crime (1 in x) | Violent Crime (1 in x) |
|---|---|---|
| Eugene, OR | 31 | 282 |
| U.S. Average | 51 | 298 |
Trends Over the Years
Crime trends in Eugene have shifted slightly in recent years. Calls to law enforcement have increased by less than 1% between 2020 and 2021.
Property crime continues to make up most of the reports, while violent crimes remain lower. In the past, both types of criminal activity have stayed somewhat steady, but there’s been a small rise in incidents overall.
Some residents note that low-level property offenses have also increased due to local social issues. For official trend reports, check Eugene’s latest crime data updates.
Types of Crimes Reported in Eugene
In Eugene, different kinds of crime affect people’s daily lives. The most common incidents fall into two main categories—property crimes and violent crimes.
Property Crimes
Property crimes in Eugene happen more often than violent crimes. These include burglary, theft, and vandalism.
Property crimes make up about 65% of all reported incidents in the city. Theft is the most frequently reported type.
People sometimes have bikes, cars, or personal belongings stolen from their homes or vehicles. Burglaries also affect many people, with break-ins occurring both at homes and businesses.
Other property crimes like car break-ins and vandalism are also a concern for local residents. Even though some numbers have gone down in recent years, the overall property crime rate in Eugene is still above the national average.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are less common in Eugene than property crimes, but they do still occur. These crimes involve harm or threats against people, such as robbery, assault, and other serious offenses.
The Eugene Police Department has a Violent Crimes Unit that investigates these cases. Most of their work involves felony crimes such as assaults and robberies.
While the city’s violent crime rate is lower than its property crime rate, it is important to be cautious, especially in certain neighborhoods and during late hours. For more details on how violent crimes are handled, visit the city’s information page.
Staying aware and taking simple safety steps can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Factors Influencing Crime Levels
Several important factors shape crime rates in Eugene. The city’s economic situation, as well as the size and needs of its homeless population, both influence local safety.
Social and Economic Challenges
Eugene faces economic challenges that impact crime rates. When jobs are harder to find or wages are low, some people may struggle to meet their basic needs, which can sometimes lead to more property crime.
The local economy also affects family stability and access to services. A report highlights a connection between economic conditions and local crime trends.
Key issues include job availability, cost of living, and public resources.
Areas with Higher Crime Rates
Some parts of Eugene have more crime, especially when it comes to property crimes like theft, burglary, and car break-ins. According to AreaVibes, the city’s overall crime rate is 63.2% higher than the national average.
Downtown Eugene and parts of the west and south sides often see more incidents. Many residents have shared that areas near the campus and some lower-income neighborhoods experience more theft and vandalism, as seen in various community reports.
People living in these neighborhoods sometimes have to take extra steps to keep their homes and cars safe. Neighborhoods such as Whiteaker and certain sections around the University of Oregon are often mentioned in discussions about higher crime.
People recommend staying aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and being extra careful with personal belongings.
Notable Safe Neighborhoods
Some areas are known for feeling much safer. Many locals say that living in places like the South Hills, Cal Young, and parts of North Gilham means dealing with less crime and fewer safety concerns.
These neighborhoods often have neighborhood watch groups, better street lighting, and more community activities, which help residents feel secure. According to Niche, over 60% of people surveyed feel pretty safe in Eugene, especially in these neighborhoods.
Some say that crime drops as you go uphill, so neighborhoods in hilly areas tend to have fewer problems with theft and break-ins. Families and students looking for a quieter place often choose these parts of Eugene for better peace of mind.
Community Resources and Ongoing Initiatives
Eugene is working on a range of programs aimed at keeping the community safe. The city is paying special attention to both general crime reduction and the needs of people facing homelessness or other challenges.
Crime Prevention Programs
Eugene has put several crime prevention efforts in place. The Eugene Police Department offers neighborhood watch groups and regular crime prevention tips to help residents protect their homes and families.
The city launched the Community Safety System to respond to a growing number of police calls. In fact, calls for Eugene Police increased by 21% from 2014 to 2017, but staffing stayed about the same.
This led the city to find new ways to handle issues and keep response times in check. More foot patrols and stronger partnerships with local groups are a big part of the strategy.
Besides police action, Eugene is also finding new ways to solve smaller crimes, like property offenses, through programs such as community courts. These approaches help free up police resources and focus on stopping crime before it happens.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
Eugene is tackling the links between community safety, homelessness, and crime. The city has received federal grant money to fund a new Community Court program.
This initiative takes a different approach to handling minor offenses and homeless-related issues by offering help instead of just punishment. Social workers and volunteers connect people to housing, addiction treatment, and job services right in the courthouse.
The aim is to break the cycle of small crimes among vulnerable groups and help them stabilize their lives. With these resources, the city hopes to address the root problems that often lead to repeated run-ins with the law.
For more details on the new programs, visit Eugene’s Community Safety page.
Conclusion
Eugene, Oregon, has seen some changes in crime rates over the years. Many residents notice more low-level thefts like bike and car break-ins.
The number of calls to police has gone up slightly in recent years. Violent crime rates, such as assault and murder, are actually lower than the national average.
Property crime—like theft and burglary—remains a bigger concern for people living in Eugene. People often mention that local safety depends on the part of town.
Some neighborhoods feel much safer than others.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type of Crime | Eugene Rate | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|
| Assault | 229.8 | 282.7 |
| Murder | 1.7 | 6.1 |
| Robbery | 75.3 | 135.5 |
| Rape | 70.7 | 40.7 |
Crime in Eugene can feel more common when it comes to things like stolen bikes. Serious crimes happen less often than in some other U.S. cities.
Residents suggest using locks and being aware of your surroundings. Getting involved in community watch programs can also help you stay safe.
For more details, check out local crime stats and a breakdown of crime rates.
