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Located in the Tualatin Valley, Beaverton, Oregon gives off a small-town feel with big-city amenities, which influences its safety profile. 

Here’s the truth: when it comes to safety, Beaverton has a bit of a mixed bag. 

Asking the question, ‘Is Beaverton, Oregon safe?’ is not out of place if you want to move to the city. Its overall crime rate is higher than the national average, but it’s important to consider a few things. 

First, Beaverton isn’t necessarily worse off compared to cities of similar size. Secondly, residents themselves often report feeling safe in their neighborhoods. 

Just know this: like most cities, some areas of Beaverton are safer than others. 

Nevertheless, let’s get into the stats and figures on the various aspects of safety in Beaverton, OR, in 2024.

Safety in Beaverton, Oregon

Beaverton can be a safe and welcoming place to live. If you’re looking for a specific neighborhood or the safest area in the city, don’t hesitate to reach out to the local Beaverton moving company or chat with people already living there. They can give you the inside scoop on the area’s vibe.

But in general, how safe is Beaverton, Oregon? 

When it comes to crime rates, Beaverton fares well compared to many other cities of similar size. The city proactively approaches community safety through its well-equipped police force and various community programs. 

The Beaverton Police Department is highly engaged with the community, offering numerous resources and initiatives aimed at crime prevention and safety education. 

As a part of the Beaverton police department’s initiative to ensure accurate information on crime in the city, they have adopted a new record system—NIBRS—for reporting crime.

Crime Rate in Beaverton, Oregon

Based on the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) utilized by the Beaverton police department, crime rate categorization goes beyond the violent and property crime rates. 

Despite the mixed crime profile of Beaverton, violent crime is below the national median. There is a 1 in 319 chance you will fall victim to a violent crime in Beaverton. 

These odds are better than 10% of all U.S. cities.

However, you may need to keep your eyes peeled for your property as the property crime rate is above the national median. 

Although the property rate is not significantly higher than the national median, with only a mere 1 in 36 chance you will be a victim of property crime in Beaverton, you may need to take extra measures to secure your belongings when living here.

 

per 1,000 residents	Beaverton Average	Oregon Average	National Average
Violent Crime	3.13	3.42	4.0
Property Crime	27.90	29.35	20.0

 

Some analyses even report a 300% likelihood of being robbed in Beaverton. But again, this greatly varies by neighborhood. 

Overall, the rate of crime in Beaverton is 31.03 per 1,000 residents. While it is not steep enough to vary significantly from the U.S. average, some neighborhoods are worse off when it comes to crime.

Safest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Beaverton

On average, crime occurs every 1 hour and 29 minutes in Beaverton. But this largely depends on the specific neighborhood. 

For instance, as of May 2024, the West Slope neighborhood had 40 crimes for the month, whereas the Highland neighborhood had 75 crimes reported in the same month.

A crime map of Beaverton neighborhoods will illustrate better the areas with little to no crime. From the Beaverton police department crime map, the eastern part of Beaverton looks a lot safer than the western part. However, the southwestern part might be the safest.

In the East, the crime rate is higher, with a 1 in 10 chance you’ll be a victim of a crime, whereas in the Southwest, you will have a 1 in 58 chance of falling victim. That’s better odds than the former.

A few of Beaverton’s safest neighborhoods include:

• Cooper Mountain 
• Aloha South
• Oak Hills
• West Slope

Some of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Beaverton include:

• Highlands
• Greenway
• Five Oaks
• Vose

 

per 100,000 residents	Crime Category	Beaverton	Oregon	National
	Assault	219.2	191.8	282.7
Violent Crime	Murder	3	2.5	6.1
	Rape	37.4	51.6	40.7
	Robbery	46.5	83.9	135.5
	Burglary	320.2	474.3	500.1
Property Crime	Theft	2,751	2,046.4	2,042.8
	Motor Vehicle Theft	374.8	530.7	284

 

Safety in Beaverton vs Portland

Since Beaverton is only 7.5 miles away from Portland, many people who work in the City of Roses decide to live in Beaverton. 

But choosing between Beaverton and Portland comes with a lot of important questions. You can start by asking, ‘Is Beaverton safer than Portland?’

While safety varies with the neighborhood, Beaverton is generally safer than Portland. 

Portland has a crime rate of 7.49 per 1,000 for violent crimes. Property crime rate is a staggering 64.56 per 1,000 residents, more than double the national median.

• Crime rate comparison

Beaverton boasts relatively low crime rates, particularly when compared to larger metropolitan areas. The city’s crime statistics indicate that property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are more common than violent crimes, but even these incidents are infrequent.

As the largest city in Oregon, Portland experiences higher crime rates than Beaverton. It is typical of larger urban areas where population density and diverse socioeconomic factors contribute to increased crime. 

While Portland has vibrant neighborhoods and a rich cultural scene, certain areas are more prone to crime, particularly property crimes and, to a lesser extent, violent crimes. 

• Community initiatives and policing

The sense of community in Beaverton is strong, with numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing safety. The Beaverton Police Department is highly accessible and engages with residents through various programs. 

 

Educational workshops on topics like self-defense, drug prevention, and emergency preparedness are regularly offered to empower residents. The city’s smaller size and tight-knit community make it easier for law enforcement to maintain a visible and effective presence.

 

On the other hand, Portland’s larger size and diverse population present unique challenges for law enforcement. However, the city is committed to community-oriented policing and has implemented several initiatives to improve safety. 

 

Programs like the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) allow collaboration between residents and law enforcement. Portland’s focus on addressing underlying issues, such as homelessness and mental health, reflects a comprehensive approach to public safety.

• Overall environment

With its suburban feel, Beaverton offers a quieter, more relaxed environment compared to Portland. The city’s parks, recreational facilities, and family-friendly neighborhoods contribute to a safe and welcoming atmosphere. 

Moreover, Beaverton’s emphasis on community engagement and preventive measures ensures that residents feel secure and supported.

Meanwhile, Portland’s urban environment is bustling and dynamic, offering a range of cultural and recreational opportunities. While some areas may experience higher crime rates, many neighborhoods are safe and thriving. 

Portland’s diverse environment means that safety can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. Hence, residents and visitors need to be aware of their surroundings and stay informed about local safety trends.

per 100,000 residents	Crime Category	Beaverton	Portland
	Assault	219.2	477
Violent Crime	Murder	3	14.9
	Rape	37.4	56.2
	Robbery	46.5	203
	Burglary	320.2	760.2
Property Crime	Theft	2,751	3,841.4
	Motor Vehicle Theft	374.8	1,722.8

 

Summary—Is Beaverton, Oregon Safe?

Beaverton, Oregon, strikes a balance between the quaintness of a small town and the conveniences of a big city, resulting in a varied safety landscape. 

While its overall crime rate is higher than the national average, it remains comparable to cities of similar size. Residents often feel secure in their neighborhoods as well.

If you’re still asking, ‘Is Beaverton, Oregon safe?’ The city’s proactive approach to policing and community engagement enhances its safety profile. Compared to Portland, Beaverton generally offers a safer environment, particularly concerning property crime. 

So, if safety is a deciding factor between Beaverton and Portland, Beaverton makes the most convincing appeal for you to visit.