Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Oregon
Oregon is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant communities, but like any state, it has areas with higher crime rates. In this updated list of the 10 most dangerous places in Oregon, we examine recent crime data to provide insights into safety conditions. Please note that crime rates may have changed since our last update in September 2021.
1. Medford
Medford, OR
Medford, a city in Jackson County, has experienced rapid growth but also an increase in crime. In 2012, it had the highest number of crimes per 100,000 people in our analysis. Ranking second for both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, Medford held the second-highest number of crimes overall in the state. While it ranked seventh in murders per person, residents still had a 1 in 16 chance of being a victim of any crime.
2. Portland
Portland, OR
In 2012, Portland had the third most violent and property crimes per person in the state. While it had fewer murders per capita compared to some other cities, it ranked second overall, with residents facing a 1 in 18 chance of being the victim of a crime.
3. Ontario
Ontario, OR
Ontario surpassed other cities in total crimes in 2012. Reporting the highest total crimes per person, Ontario led in both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people. With such high numbers, residents had the highest likelihood of being crime victims, with just a 1 in 12 chance.
4. Gresham
Gresham, OR
Gresham, located in Multnomah County, fared better than Portland in property crime and total crime rates. However, it struggled with violent crimes, ranking fourth for violent crimes per 100,000 people and third in murders. While residents might not be as likely to be victims of crime overall, they faced a higher risk of violent crime.
5. Pendleton
Pendleton, OR
Pendleton witnessed the second most murders per person in the state in 2012. It ranked 14th in violent crimes overall and sixth in property crimes. Overall, residents faced a 1 in 19 chance of being involved in a crime.
6. Salem
Salem, OR
Salem, the state's political capital, reported the third most murders per 100,000 people in 2012. It also ranked high in property crimes, resulting in a 12th place for overall crimes. Residents here had a 1 in 22 chance of being the victim of a crime.
7. Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, OR
Despite being called "Oregon's City of Sunshine," Klamath Falls ranked sixth in total crimes per 100,000 people in 2012. Although it didn't have any reported murders, it placed sixth in violent crimes and eighth in property crimes. Residents had a 1 in 19 chance of being victims of crime.
8. Eugene
Eugene, OR
Eugene had the fourth most total crimes per person in 2012, including the fifth most property crimes and the 10th most violent crimes. Fortunately, there were no murders among the violent crimes, which kept it from ranking higher on our list.
9. The Dalles
The Dalles, OR
The Dalles might not seem dangerous at first glance, but it had the highest number of murders per 100,000 people in our analysis. Additionally, it ranked seventh in property crimes per person. While it only ranked eighth for total crimes, residents still had a higher risk of being involved in crime.
10. Redmond
Redmond, OR
Redmond was the least dangerous among our most dangerous cities but still ranked highly for its number of violent and property crimes. It had the eighth most violent crimes and the ninth most property crimes on our list. While it had no murders, residents still faced a 1 in 20 chance of being crime victims.