Is Eugene or Medford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Eugene is safer than Medford (Safety Score 12/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,574 per 100,000 versus 4,324 for Medford — 17% lower. Eugene has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Eugene has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Eugene is 2.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Eugene — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Eugene, OR
Medford, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Eugene | Medford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,574.1 | 4,323.7 | -749.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 318.4 | 491.9 | -173.5 |
| Murder Rate | 1.1 | 3.5 | -2.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 63.7 | -17.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 70.8 | 89.7 | -18.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.9 | 335.0 | -135.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,255.7 | 3,831.7 | -576.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 475.7 | 290.2 | +185.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,458.2 | 3,338.6 | -880.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 321.8 | 202.9 | +118.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eugene or Medford safer?
Eugene is safer with a total crime rate of 3,574 per 100K vs 4,324 for Medford — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Eugene has a violent crime rate of 318.4 per 100K while Medford has 491.9. Eugene has lower violent crime.
About Eugene, OR
Eugene, Oregon, nestled in the Willamette Valley, is a city with a strong counter-culture legacy and a significant student population due to the University of Oregon. Its verdant surroundings are characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 178,057, Eugene has a total crime rate of 3,574.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Medford, OR
Medford, in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, is a regional hub known for its pear orchards and proximity to Crater Lake. The city's population is around 85,000, with a significant retiree community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,766, Medford has a total crime rate of 4,323.7 per 100,000 residents.