Lawton, located in southwestern Oklahoma, has a population of approximately 90,000 residents. It ranks as the sixth-largest city in the state and is the largest in Western Oklahoma.
Founded in 1901 on former reservation lands of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Indians, it bears the name of Major General Henry Ware Lawton, known for his service in the Civil War and the Philippine–American War. The city is notable for being home to Fort Sill, a significant military installation in operation since 1869.
Lawton boasts a diverse and culturally rich environment, offering numerous museums, parks, festivals, and historical sites.
Its economy thrives across various sectors, including manufacturing, education, healthcare, and retail. However, like many urban areas, Lawton also faces issues related to crime and violence.
In 2020, according to FBI crime data, Lawton reported a crime rate of 3,690 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing both the national average of 2,476 and the state average of 3,277.
Among Oklahoma cities, Lawton ranked as the 12th most dangerous out of 74. Certain neighborhoods within Lawton are more susceptible to crime, as indicated by NeighborhoodScout‘s crime data. Here are the five neighborhoods in Lawton with the highest crime rates:
NW Cache Rd/NW 38th St
This area is in the northwest of the city, close to Cameron University and Comanche County Memorial Hospital. About 3,500 people live here, with a median household income of $34,000. The crime rate is 116 per 1,000 residents, which is over four times higher than the city’s average. The likelihood of experiencing a crime, whether violent or property-related, is 1 in 9.
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NW Sheridan Rd/NW Ferris Ave
This area is in the northwest part of the city, close to Elmer Thomas Park and McMahon Auditorium. Around 4,000 people live here, with an average household income of $32,000. The crime rate is 108 per 1,000 residents, which is over three times higher than the city’s average. The likelihood of experiencing either a violent or property crime here is 1 in 9.
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NW Cache Rd/NW Fort Sill Blvd
This area is in the north-central part of the city, close to Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. Around 2,500 people live here, with a typical household income of $29,000. The crime rate is 101 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is over three times the city’s average. The likelihood of experiencing a crime, whether violent or related to property, is 1 in 10.
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NW Cache Rd/NW Lindy Ave
This area is in the northwest of the city, close to Lawton High School and Central Mall. Around 3,000 people live here, with a typical household earning about $36,000. Unfortunately, the crime rate is quite high at 97 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is over three times the city average. Your chances of being a victim of crime, whether violent or related to property, are 1 in 10 in this neighborhood.
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SW Lee Blvd/SW Sheridan Rd
This area is in the southwest of the city, close to Great Plains Technology Center and Lawton Marketplace. Around 4,500 people live here, with a typical household income of $40,000. The crime rate is 95 per 1,000 residents, which is over three times higher than the city’s overall average. The likelihood of experiencing a violent or property crime here is 1 in 11.
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Conclusion
These areas share certain factors that might lead to their elevated crime rates. They are typically low-income communities with high levels of poverty and lower educational achievements. Moreover, they tend to have a dense population and high rental costs. Additionally, their proximity to main roads and business districts can potentially attract more criminal activity.
