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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Oakland, Tennessee, has experienced significant changes in property crime rates alongside substantial population growth over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of property crimes decreased by 81.3%, from 123 to 23 incidents. During this same period, the population grew by 36.1%, from 11,690 to 15,915 residents, indicating a notable improvement in overall property crime rates relative to population growth.
Burglary trends in the city show a general decline over time. In 2010, there were 16 burglaries, which decreased to 3 in 2022, representing an 81.25% reduction. When adjusted for population, the burglary rate fell from 1.37 per 1,000 people in 2010 to 0.19 per 1,000 in 2022. The city's share of state burglaries fluctuated, peaking at 0.06% in 2021 before dropping to 0.02% in 2022. This downward trend in burglaries, despite population growth, suggests improved security measures or law enforcement effectiveness.
Larceny-theft incidents also decreased significantly over the years. In 2010, there were 107 larceny-thefts, which reduced to 17 in 2022, marking an 84.11% decrease. The rate per 1,000 people dropped from 9.15 in 2010 to 1.07 in 2022. The city's proportion of state larceny-thefts declined from 0.09% in 2010 to 0.02% in 2022. This substantial reduction in larceny-theft rates, even as the population grew, indicates a positive trend in community safety and property protection.
Motor vehicle theft trends have been inconsistent but generally low. In 2010, there were no reported motor vehicle thefts. The highest number was recorded in 2020 with 4 incidents. In 2022, there were 3 motor vehicle thefts, representing a rate of 0.19 per 1,000 people. The city's share of state motor vehicle thefts increased slightly from 0% in 2010 to 0.02% in 2022. While the numbers are small, the slight increase in recent years warrants attention to prevent further growth.
Arson incidents have been consistently reported as zero throughout the entire period from 2010 to 2022. This absence of arson cases suggests effective fire prevention measures and community awareness.
Examining correlations between property crime trends and demographic factors reveals interesting patterns. As the population density increased from 1,121 per square mile in 2010 to 1,527 in 2022, property crime rates decreased, suggesting that increased urbanization did not lead to higher crime rates. The median income rose from $71,536 in 2013 to $78,061 in 2022, which may have contributed to lower property crime rates by reducing economic motivations for such crimes.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a continued decrease in overall property crime rates. Based on the historical data and current trends, it's projected that by 2029, the total number of property crimes could potentially drop below 20 incidents per year, with burglaries and larceny-thefts continuing their downward trend. However, motor vehicle thefts may stabilize around current levels or show a slight increase.
In summary, Oakland has demonstrated a remarkable improvement in property crime rates over the past decade, despite significant population growth. The substantial decreases in burglaries and larceny-thefts, coupled with consistently low rates of motor vehicle theft and no reported arsons, paint a picture of a community that has effectively managed crime reduction. These trends, along with increasing median income and population density, suggest that the city has successfully balanced growth with enhanced safety measures. As Oakland continues to grow, maintaining these positive trends will be crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and prosperity of its residents.