Cleveland County, Oklahoma, located in the central part of the state, has a population of around 284,000. It’s part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and encompasses cities like Norman, Moore, Noble, Lexington, and Slaughterville.
The county is also home to the University of Oklahoma, one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the country. However, there are challenges in Cleveland County. It experiences some of the highest crime rates both in the state and nationally, with certain areas being more risky than others.
According to FBI data from 2019, there were a total of 6,204 reported crimes in Cleveland County, including 9 murders, 119 rapes, 75 robberies, and 399 felony assaults. The violent crime rate in the county was 3.655 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the state average of 3.5 per 1,000 residents.
Given these statistics, we’ve identified the following five neighborhoods as the most hazardous in Cleveland County, Oklahoma:
Norman
Norman, the biggest city in Cleveland County, serves as its county seat and boasts a population of approximately 124,000 residents. It is notable for housing the University of Oklahoma, a significant draw for students and visitors alike.
Nonetheless, Norman faces a challenge with a notable crime rate. In 2019, there were 2,689 reported crimes, encompassing 4 homicides, 64 rapes, 35 robberies, and 193 aggravated assaults. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stood at 21.7, surpassing the national average of 18.6.
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Moore
Moore, the second-largest city in Cleveland County, has around 62,000 residents. Unfortunately, it has experienced severe tornadoes in recent years, resulting in considerable damage and loss of life.
Additionally, Moore faces a notable crime issue. In 2019, there were 1,478 reported crimes, including 2 murders, 32 rapes, 23 robberies, and 106 serious assaults. This led to a crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 18.6.
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Noble
Noble is a small city in Cleveland County, with roughly 6,700 residents. It’s situated near Lake Thunderbird State Park, providing recreational options for visitors.
Yet, Noble faces a notable crime rate. In 2019, there were 121 reported crimes, consisting of no murders, 8 rapes, no robberies, and 12 felonious assaults. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 18.1, nearly in line with the national average of 18.6.
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Slaughterville
Slaughterville is a town in Cleveland County, home to approximately 4,300 people. Its name comes from a grocery store owner named James Slaughter, even though he had no connection to slaughtering activities.
Unfortunately, Slaughterville experiences a higher-than-average crime rate. In 2019, there were 85 reported crimes, but no murders, rapes, or robberies. There were, however, 10 serious assaults. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 19.8, surpassing the national average of 18.6.
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Lexington
Lexington, situated in Cleveland County, is home to around 2,200 people. It’s close to the Canadian River and the Lexington Wildlife Management Area, providing scenic beauty and wildlife observation opportunities for visitors.
Yet, it’s important to note that Lexington experiences a notable level of crime. In 2019, there were 67 reported crimes, which included no murders, rapes, or robberies, but 9 felonious assaults. This translates to a crime rate of 30.5 per 1,000 residents, significantly surpassing the national average of 18.6.
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Conclusion
In summary, Cleveland County, Oklahoma has a notable crime rate, particularly in its southern region. Various neighborhoods exhibit varying levels of danger based on the type and seriousness of offenses.
According to data from CrimeGrade.org and the FBI, the top five riskiest neighborhoods in Cleveland County are Norman, Moore, Noble, Slaughterville, and Lexington.
These areas surpass the national average in terms of crime likelihood, and some have even grappled with natural disasters, potentially exacerbating the situation. Thus, it is crucial to exercise vigilance and adopt safety measures when in or around these locations.
