Oneida, a small city in Upstate New York, stands out not for its size but for its alarming crime rate. It’s a place where the risk of crime sharply contrasts with the city’s otherwise peaceful facade.
Crime Statistics
- High Crime Rate: Oneida’s crime rate is 51 per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 98% of American localities in terms of danger.
- Violent and Property Crimes: The city grapples with a spectrum of crimes, including violent offenses like rape, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and property crimes such as car theft, arson, burglary, and larcenies.
- Comparative Danger: In comparison to the national average crime rate of 4 and New York State’s median of 3.13, Oneida’s rate is markedly higher.
Recent crime statistics for Oneida,
New York, reveal a complex and concerning picture. The data, updated to reflect the 2022 calendar year and released by the FBI in September 2023, offers insights into the frequency and nature of crimes in this small city:
- Overall Crime Rate: Oneida’s total crime rate stands at 4,714 incidents per 100,000 people. This figure is notably higher than both the New York state average (2,151 per 100,000) and the national average (2,324 per 100,000). It indicates that the city’s crime rate surpasses the national average by a significant 102.8%.
- Violent Crimes: Violent crimes in Oneida, which include murder, rape, robbery, and assault, have been recorded at 62 incidents, equating to 604 per 100,000 people. This rate is 63.3% higher than the national average. It’s important to note that there were no murders reported in Oneida during this period.
- Property Crimes: Property crimes, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, are particularly high in Oneida, with 422 incidents reported. This amounts to 4,110 per 100,000 people, which is 110.3% above the national average. Annually, 1 in 25 people in Oneida fall victim to property crime, placing the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime.
- Year-Over-Year Crime Trends: There is a silver lining, as the year-over-year crime rate in Oneida has decreased by 11.4%. Specifically, violent crimes have seen a 7.5% reduction, and property crimes have decreased by 11.9%.
- Chances of Being a Crime Victim: In Oneida, the chances of being a victim of any crime stand at 1 in 22. The probability of falling victim to a violent crime is 1 in 166, while the likelihood of experiencing property crime is significantly higher at 1 in 25.
- Comparative Safety: When compared to other cities in the United States, Oneida is safer than only 8% of them. The year-over-year crime in Oneida has seen a 6% decrease, which is a positive development in the context of its overall high crime rates
The Contrast of Oneida
- Population and Location: Home to around 11,000 residents, Oneida lies between Syracuse and Utica in Madison County, New York.
- Unique Qualities: Despite its high crime rate, Oneida is known for its unique character. It boasts tree-lined streets, expansive parks, playgrounds, a variety of housing options, and a strong sense of community. The city takes pride in its arts program, historical craft days, farmers’ markets, and music festivals.
Conclusion
The stark contrast between Oneida’s high crime rate and its small-town charm is a reminder of the complex nature of urban safety. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for residents and policymakers alike, as they work towards ensuring a safer environment in this otherwise vibrant community.