Oxford, AL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford, AL Crime

Is Oxford, AL safe?

Oxford earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it in a favorable position compared to many Alabama cities of similar size. With a population of roughly 21,282 and a population density of just 258 people per square mile, the city's relatively spread-out layout contributes to lower crime concentration in most residential areas. Neighborhoods near Oxford Lake and the subdivisions surrounding Oxford High School are consistently regarded as among the quieter, more family-oriented parts of town. While property crime remains the most common concern citywide — as it is in most U.S. communities — violent crime rates here are comparatively modest. Residents generally feel comfortable in public spaces during daylight hours, and the Oxford Police Department maintains an active presence that supports that sense of security.

What is the crime rate in Oxford, AL?

Oxford's overall crime performance earns a B grade for 2026. Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft — account for the large majority of reported incidents, a pattern typical of retail-corridor cities. The commercial zones along AL-21 and areas adjacent to major shopping centers tend to see higher concentrations of property-related calls, while residential neighborhoods such as Pinebrook and The Meadows report far fewer incidents. Violent crime, which includes assault and robbery, represents a smaller share of total offenses and remains well below national per-capita averages for cities in Oxford's population range (20,000–25,000). Oxford's unemployment rate of 3.4% and median household income of $63,156 both correlate with the relatively stable crime environment the data reflects.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Oxford, AL?

Based on community reputation and proximity to stable economic anchors, several Oxford neighborhoods stand out for lower crime activity. Subdivisions near Oxford Lake benefit from high foot traffic, recreational amenity oversight, and strong neighborhood association engagement. The Pinebrook and The Meadows areas are frequently cited by residents for their quiet streets and low incident reports. Neighborhoods clustered around Oxford Middle School and Oxford High School also tend to attract families who actively participate in community watch programs. By contrast, areas with higher commercial density — particularly along major retail corridors — show elevated property crime rates, which is consistent with national patterns for high-traffic shopping zones. Using the interactive crime map on this page, you can filter by crime type and time period to compare specific zones side by side.

Is Oxford, AL a good place to live?

The data makes a strong case for Oxford as a livable city. The median home value of $142,403 sits well below the national median, making homeownership attainable for a wide range of buyers, especially given a median household income of $63,156. The unemployment rate of 3.4% is below the national average, signaling a healthy local labor market. The poverty rate of 9.2% is modest and supported by community assistance programs. Median rent of $807 per month offers an affordable entry point for renters. Layered on top of these economic indicators, Oxford's B overall crime grade means residents are living in a community that outperforms many comparably sized cities on safety metrics. For families, retirees, and young professionals alike, Oxford's combination of affordability, low density (258 per sq mi), and above-average safety profile makes it a compelling choice in the greater Anniston–Oxford metro area.

How does Oxford's crime grade compare to other Alabama cities?

Oxford's B crime grade is notably strong within Alabama, where several larger cities — including parts of Birmingham, Anniston, and Gadsden — score in the C-to-F range. Oxford's low population density of 258 residents per square mile limits the clustering effect that drives crime rates higher in more urbanized environments. Its poverty rate of 9.2% is also well below the state average, and research consistently links lower poverty rates to reduced violent and property crime. While Oxford is not crime-free — no city with a major retail corridor is — its overall profile places it comfortably in the upper tier of safety among Alabama municipalities in the 15,000–30,000 population band.

What types of crime are most common in Oxford, AL?

Property crime dominates Oxford's incident reports, consistent with its role as a regional retail hub. Theft — including shoplifting, larceny from vehicles, and package theft — represents the most frequently reported offense category. Burglary and motor vehicle theft appear at lower but notable rates, particularly in commercial-adjacent zones. Vandalism and drug-related offenses round out the mid-tier categories. Violent crimes such as aggravated assault and robbery occur but at rates that keep Oxford's overall grade at a B rather than pushing it into C territory. Residents in quieter subdivisions like Pinebrook experience a very different day-to-day reality than those near high-volume commercial corridors, underscoring why neighborhood-level filtering on the crime map is so valuable for making informed decisions about where to live or visit.