Coos Bay, OR Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Coos Bay, OR Crime & Safety

What is Coos Bay's overall crime grade?

Coos Bay earns an overall crime grade of B for 2026, which places it in a relatively favorable position compared to many Oregon cities of similar size. With a population of approximately 16,326 and a population density of 593 residents per square mile, Coos Bay's crime environment reflects the challenges typical of small coastal communities — including an unemployment rate of 8.3% and a poverty rate of 15.7% — while still performing better than the national average on many safety metrics. A B grade means most residents and visitors can go about daily life with reasonable confidence, provided they stay aware of local patterns.

What types of crime are most common in Coos Bay?

Property crime accounts for the largest share of reported incidents in Coos Bay. Theft — including shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglary — represents the most frequently occurring offense category. Vandalism and motor vehicle theft are also notable contributors to the property crime totals. Violent crime, while present, makes up a smaller proportion of overall incidents; assaults are the most common violent offense reported. Substance-related incidents, including drug and alcohol offenses, appear with meaningful frequency and are often linked to the city's 15.7% poverty rate and 8.3% unemployment rate, both of which are economic stressors that research consistently associates with elevated property crime levels.

Is Coos Bay safe to visit or live in?

Yes — Coos Bay's B crime grade indicates it is a reasonably safe place to visit and live. The city's median household income of $49,478 and median home value of $175,742 reflect an affordable, working-class community where the majority of neighborhoods are stable and family-friendly. Areas near the Coos Bay waterfront and the Empire Lakes vicinity are generally considered among the calmer parts of the city. That said, like any community with an unemployment rate above 8% and a poverty rate near 16%, certain pockets experience higher concentrations of property crime. Checking the Coos Bay crime map regularly and noting heat-map clusters can help you identify which specific blocks or corridors see more activity.

How does Coos Bay's crime rate compare to other Oregon cities?

Coos Bay's B overall crime grade puts it ahead of several larger Oregon cities that score in the C or D range. Its population density of 593 people per square mile is relatively low, which tends to correlate with fewer total incidents per neighborhood compared to denser urban cores. The city's median rent of $846 per month is well below statewide averages, signaling an affordable housing market that can attract both stable long-term residents and transient populations — a dynamic that influences crime patterns in many small Oregon coastal towns. Compared to cities with similar poverty rates (around 15–16%), Coos Bay's B grade suggests its community institutions and policing strategies are performing above the peer-city average.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Coos Bay?

Based on available crime distribution data, neighborhoods near the Coos Bay waterfront and the Empire Lakes area tend to report lower concentrations of incidents. The North Bend adjacent residential zones also show relatively stable crime patterns. In contrast, areas with higher foot traffic, commercial corridors, and proximity to transit routes tend to see more property crime — particularly theft and vehicle break-ins. Because Coos Bay's overall density is just 593 people per square mile, even its busier corridors are far less congested than those in major metro areas, which limits the scale of crime clusters. Using the interactive crime map with time filters set to the past 90 days gives the most current neighborhood-level picture.

What economic factors influence crime in Coos Bay?

Several measurable economic indicators shape Coos Bay's crime landscape. The city's 8.3% unemployment rate is notably higher than the national average, meaning a meaningful share of working-age residents face financial instability. The 15.7% poverty rate — affecting roughly 1 in 6 residents — creates conditions that research links to elevated property crime, as individuals under financial stress are statistically more likely to commit theft-related offenses. The median household income of $49,478 and median home value of $175,742 indicate a community where homeownership is accessible but economic margins are thin. Median rent of $846 is relatively low, yet still represents a significant burden for households near the poverty line. These factors collectively explain why Coos Bay's property crime rates are its primary concern, even as its overall grade remains a solid B.

How can I use the Coos Bay crime map effectively?

To get the most out of the Coos Bay crime map, start by filtering incidents by crime type — separating property crimes (theft, burglary, vandalism) from violent crimes (assault) gives a clearer risk profile for any given area. Use the heat-map overlay to spot concentration zones, particularly around commercial strips where theft rates tend to spike. Set your time filter to the most recent 30–90 days for actionable, current data rather than relying on annual averages that may mask recent trend shifts. Cross-reference the map with the city's overall B crime grade to keep findings in context — a cluster of incidents in one block doesn't necessarily mean an entire neighborhood is unsafe in a city of 16,326 people. Finally, bookmark the Coos Bay Police Department page for official incident reports and community alerts that supplement what the map shows.