Monmouth, OR Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Monmouth, OR

What is Monmouth's overall crime grade for 2026?

Monmouth, OR earns an overall crime grade of B- for 2026. That places the city in a moderately safe tier — better than many comparably sized Oregon communities, but with room for improvement. The B- grade reflects a city where property crime is the primary driver of incidents rather than violent offenses. With a population of 10,411 and a population density of 1,849 residents per square mile, Monmouth is compact enough that law enforcement can respond efficiently, which helps keep the overall grade from slipping further.

How does Monmouth's poverty rate affect its crime picture?

Monmouth's poverty rate of 24.5% is notably elevated — significantly above the national average of roughly 12–13%. Research consistently links higher poverty rates to increased property crime, and Monmouth's crime map reflects that pattern. Areas closer to the downtown corridor and near Western Oregon University, where lower-income housing is more concentrated, tend to see a higher share of theft and vandalism reports. By contrast, the unemployment rate sits at a relatively low 3.4%, suggesting that many residents are working but may still face cost-of-living pressures given a median household income of $47,585 — modest for Oregon's current housing market.

What types of crime are most common in Monmouth?

Property crime dominates Monmouth's incident reports. Theft — including shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and bicycle theft — accounts for the largest share of calls logged with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Vandalism and trespassing are the next most frequently reported categories. Violent crime, such as assault, represents a much smaller percentage of total incidents and tends to cluster around late-night hours in the downtown area. Drug-related offenses are also present, consistent with statewide trends in Oregon cities with poverty rates above 20%. Overall, the B- grade signals that while crime exists, the most serious offenses remain a relatively small fraction of the total incident count.

Which neighborhoods in Monmouth have the highest and lowest crime activity?

Based on incident patterns reflected in the Monmouth crime map, the downtown district — Main Street and the surrounding commercial blocks — sees the highest concentration of reported property crimes, driven largely by retail theft and vehicle-related incidents. The area immediately adjacent to Western Oregon University experiences periodic spikes tied to the academic calendar, particularly around move-in and end-of-semester periods, with noise complaints, vandalism, and minor assaults more common during those windows. Residential areas in the northwest and northeast quadrants of the city, farther from the commercial core, report fewer incidents per capita and are generally considered the quietest parts of Monmouth. Families and long-term residents frequently cite these outer neighborhoods as the most stable for day-to-day safety.

How does Monmouth's crime rate compare to similar Oregon cities?

With a B- overall crime grade, Monmouth compares favorably to several mid-size Oregon cities that carry C or D grades. Its combination of a low unemployment rate (3.4%) and a relatively modest population density (1,849 per sq mi) keeps violent crime from reaching the levels seen in denser urban cores. However, the 24.5% poverty rate and a median rent of $1,022 — high relative to the median household income of $47,585 — create economic stress that pushes property crime rates above what you'd expect from a city this size. In practical terms, Monmouth is safer than many Oregon cities its size but requires the same common-sense precautions you'd apply anywhere.

Is Monmouth safe for families and students?

For families, Monmouth's B- crime grade and low violent crime incidence make it a reasonable choice, particularly in the northwest and northeast residential neighborhoods where incident rates are lowest. For students attending Western Oregon University, the campus area is generally safe during daylight hours and at organized campus events. However, the surrounding off-campus rental corridor does see a higher share of property crime — bicycle theft and package theft in particular — so students are advised to use secure storage and register valuables. The city's overall median home value of $259,724 and median rent of $1,022 make it accessible, and the active Polk County Sheriff's Office presence helps maintain a baseline level of security across all neighborhoods.

What steps is Monmouth taking to improve its crime grade?

Local efforts to push Monmouth's grade from a B- toward a B or higher center on three areas: community policing partnerships with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, expanded neighborhood watch networks in the downtown and university-adjacent zones, and social services targeting the 24.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Economic development initiatives aimed at raising the median household income above the current $47,585 level are also underway, as sustained income growth is one of the strongest long-term predictors of declining property crime rates. Residents can contribute by reporting incidents promptly, participating in community watch programs, and engaging with city council discussions on public safety funding.