According to Southwest Journal report, it’s a wonder that Oregon, the Beaver State, has the eighth highest rate of serious crime in the country. Portland, the state’s largest city, isn’t the center of attention. Instead, a clear story appears that shows 10 smaller places with populations ranging from 5,800 to 650,000 are having a hard time with serious crime. These small towns go against the idea that bigger places are safer, showing a surprising change in how law and order work in the state. The beautiful scenery in Oregon teaches us that being big doesn’t always mean you’re safe. There may be more crime in this small town than in Portland, despite its cute appearance. In this Oregonian safety story, be careful because crime seems to be affecting people of all sizes.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities In Oregon. (PHOTO: Southwest Journal)
1. Roseburg, OR
With 23,793 people, Roseburg, Oregon, is a pretty quiet place, but there is a high crime rate that stands out. Even though the city is quiet, it has increased foot patrols and community interaction programs to fight crime. The low median income and higher-than-average rates of poverty are still big problems.
2. Woodburn, OR
With 26,799 people, Woodburn is a beautiful city, but it has a higher crime rate than the rest of the country. In reaction, the city pushed for community police and neighborhood watch groups. But social and economic problems, such as a lower typical income and level of schooling, may make crime rates higher.
3. Klamath Falls, OR
Even though Klamath Falls is beautiful, it has a high crime rate and is home to 22,034 people. Even though local police are trying to involve and educate the community, crime still happens. This cute town has a high crime rate because of problems with the economy, unemployment at 8.4%, and drug abuse.
4. Salem, OR
There are a lot of cops in Salem, Oregon, which is the state capital and home to 177,694 people. However, crime is always happening there. Issues still exist, even with increased community involvement, better lighting in high-crime areas, and calls to report strange behavior. The city has a high crime rate because of things like homelessness, drug dealing, and differences in income.
5. Warrenton, OR
Even though Warrenton is small (only 5,877 people live there), it has a lot of crime. The police have a hard time keeping people safe from attacks and thefts of goods. Community police and neighborhood watch programs try to lower crime, but the city’s isolation may make it a good place for thieves to hide from bigger city police.
6. Eugene, OR
Eugene is known for its arts scene and high quality of life, but crime has been going up. Violence and theft are on the rise in the city of 177,732 people. Having more police officers and social programs that help people who are addicted to drugs or don’t have a home are two ways to deal with these problems. But a lot of people who are moving around and people who have mental health problems make the city’s crime situation more tough.
7. Coos Bay, OR
The number of violent and property crimes has gone up in Coos Bay, a pretty beach town of 16,417 people. Despite having a very small population, the city has made police more visible and started using community-based crime prevention. People in Coos Bay are still abusing drugs and committing small crimes because of it.
8. Portland, OR
Despite spending on neighborhood police and social programs, Portland, Oregon’s largest city with 656,222 people, has higher crime rates. Once a wealthy area, the Pearl District has become more dangerous because of differences in wealth, drug use, and people living on the streets.
9. Ontario, OR
Ontario is a cute town with 55,444 people that has a high crime rate. Because the city is right on the border with Idaho, it could be a way for crime to move between states, even with community police and other efforts to stop it. Crime rates are high because many people are poor and don’t get enough schooling.
10. Astoria, OR
Astoria is a beach town with 41,250 people, and there is a lot of crime there. The tourist city has trouble with programs for kids after school and extra checks to lower crime rates. Astoria has a hard time keeping crime down because the economy isn’t growing, the typical income is low, and unemployment is high.
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