Oregon is a lovely place with different kinds of nature, interesting traditions, and nice people. But, some parts of the state have a lot of crime, especially in the big cities. In this article, we’ll find out which five cities in Oregon are the most dangerous using information from the FBI about crimes in 2022.
We’ll check the number of violent and property crimes for every 100,000 people in each city and compare that to the average for the whole state. After reading this article, you’ll have a better idea about how safe Oregon is and how it might affect the people who live there or visit.
| City | Population | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
| Ontario | 11,638 | 842 | 6,006 |
| Portland | 664,350 | 538 | 5,783 |
| Coos Bay | 16,182 | 507 | 5,897 |
| Medford | 82,347 | 494 | 5,583 |
| Salem | 173,442 | 445 | 5,223 |
Ontario
Ontario is a town in Malheur County, Oregon, with around 11,000 people. It sits by the Snake River near the Idaho border and is famous for farming, a mix of different people, and lots of chances to enjoy outdoor activities.
In Ontario, you can visit cool places like the Four Rivers Cultural Center, the Ontario Library District, and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
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Portland
Portland is the biggest city in Oregon and one of the nicest places to live in the United States. It has around 660,000 people and is situated by the Willamette River, where it meets the Columbia River. Portland is a lively and forward-thinking city with a lot of interesting culture, history, and food.
There are cool things to check out in Portland like the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Powell’s City of Books, and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
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Coos Bay
Coos Bay is a place where the Coos River flows into the Pacific Ocean. It’s in the northern part of Coos County and has around 16,000 people. Coos Bay is an important city with a big port and is a way to get to the Oregon Coast. Some cool things in Coos Bay are Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago State Park, and the Egyptian Theater.
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Medford
Medford is a city in Oregon, specifically in Jackson County. It’s home to around 85,000 people and sits close to Bear Creek in the Rogue Valley. One notable thing about Medford is its wine industry, particularly the Pinot Noir grapes from nearby vineyards.
If you visit Medford, you can check out attractions like the Rogue Ales & Spirits Distillery, the Crater Lake National Park (which is about an hour away), and the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, the third-busiest airport in Oregon.
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Salem
Salem is Oregon’s capital city, with around 175,000 people. It sits by the Willamette River in central Oregon and was established by settlers from New England who wanted good farmland near rivers.
In 1851, Salem became the capital of Oregon Territory, making it a key political hub. Some notable places in Salem are Willamette University (the oldest university in the western U.S.), the Oregon State Capitol (a neoclassical building), and the Salem Art Museum (featuring contemporary art).
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Final Words
The top five riskiest cities in Oregon in 2022, according to FBI crime data, are Ontario, Portland, Coos Bay, Medford, and Salem, having the highest rates of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people in the state.
However, it’s important to note that crime rates don’t define the entire state or its residents. Oregon is a beautiful state with diverse landscapes, a rich culture, and friendly people. There are numerous attractions and advantages that make it an appealing place to live or visit.
Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance safety and reduce crime in Oregon. For instance, the state has legalized small amounts of all drugs for personal use, a measure aimed at addressing social issues linked to drug abuse. Oregon also has a natural hazards mitigation plan in place, focusing on minimizing risks from flooding, rockslides, earthquakes, tidal waves, bluff erosion, and forest fires.
In summary, it’s essential not to judge Oregon solely based on crime statistics. Instead, we should recognize its positive qualities and support ongoing initiatives to create a safer and better environment for everyone.
