Malheur County Crime & Safety

Malheur County, Oregon

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3357.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

469.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2888.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

State avg 30/100

State Safety Rank

#31

of 36 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Malheur County, Oregon

Crime rates exceed the national average

Malheur County reports a total crime rate of 3,357.9 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score currently sits at 94.7.

Safety score trails state benchmarks

The county's safety score of 94.7 is below the Oregon average of 96.3. Five reporting agencies are active in the county to address these elevated crime levels.

Higher activity than many rural neighbors

Malheur sees more frequent crime incidents per capita than many of its rural neighbors in Eastern Oregon. This elevated rate reflects challenges unique to this border region.

Elevated rates for both crime types

Violent crime is 469.3 per 100K, which is well above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high, reaching 2,888.6 per 100K.

Enhanced security provides better protection

A monitored home alarm system is a wise investment given the higher local crime rates. Ensuring all windows and doors have sturdy locks helps protect against property theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Malheur County, OR?

Malheur County has a total crime rate of 3357.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (469.3 per 100K) and property crimes (2888.6 per 100K).

Is Malheur County, OR safe?

Malheur County has a safety score of 6/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #31 out of 36 counties in Oregon for safety (1 = safest).

How does Malheur County crime compare to the Oregon average?

The county's safety score of 94.7 is below the Oregon average of 96.3. Five reporting agencies are active in the county to address these elevated crime levels.

What types of crime are most common in Malheur County?

Violent crime is 469.3 per 100K, which is well above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high, reaching 2,888.6 per 100K.

How is crime data measured and reported for Malheur County?

Crime data for Malheur County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Malheur County?

Malheur County has a safety score of 6/100, which is below the Oregon average of 30/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.