Safest And Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Eugene OR (2026 Guide)

Choosing where to live in Eugene Oregon, means understanding how safety can vary from one neighborhood to another. The safest and most dangerous places in Eugene OR, can differ widely depending on the neighborhood, crime trends, and local amenities. While accommodation in Eugene OR, is known for its scenic landscapes, strong university presence, and relaxed lifestyle, safety levels are not consistent across the city. Eugene OR is home to more than 175,000 residents and over 40 distinct neighborhoods, where crime patterns can vary sharply from one area to the next - making it essential to understand the safest and most dangerous places in Eugene OR before choosing where to live.

The Safest Neighborhoods in Eugene OR

If you are looking for safe areas to live in Eugene OR, keep in mind that Eugene is a diverse city. Crime and safety conditions differ across neighborhoods. Identifying the safest and most dangerous places in Eugene OR is key. Some areas consistently record lower crime rates and community stability, while others experience higher incidents. If you’re interested in learning more about the city, including which are the best universities, the cost of living, and things to do, you can follow our comprehensive living guide for Eugene. The following neighborhoods are among the safest neighborhoods in Eugene Oregon. 

1. Santa Clara Community 

• Crime Grade: A+
• Population: ~20,000 residents
• Total Crimes (2025): ~350 incidents
• Crime Profile: Mostly property crimes; very low violent crime

One of the safest areas in Eugene Oregon is the Santa Clara Community. It offers safety and quality of life. This area has an estimated population of over 20,000 and recorded an overall A+ safety grade on the Eugene OR crime map. In 2025, this area was featured as one of Eugene's safest neighborhoods (approximately 350 total incidents). Among the crimes registered, over 80% were property crimes, including 77 vehicle thefts and 63 larcenies. Violent offenses, however, remained low.

One of the reasons this is one of the safe places to live in Eugene OR, is because of well-established residential streets, community programs, and active neighborhood engagement. This helps keep violent and property crime lower than average. Its strong safety reputation and suburban feel make it popular for families and long-term residents.

2. Cal Young

• Crime Grade: A+
• Population: ~3,200 residents
• Total Crimes: ~462 incidents
• Most Common Crimes: Larceny, vehicle theft, burglary

Cal Young is a quiet residential neighborhood in Eugene, home to about 3,200 residents and known for its relatively strong safety record. It holds an A+ crime grade and reports fewer incidents than many other parts of the city. In the past year, the area recorded around 462 crimes, mostly larcenies (115), along with vehicle thefts (97) and burglaries (88). Overall, Cal Young remains a comparatively safe option for residents.

3. South Hills

• Crime Grade: A
• Population: ~6,000 residents
• Total Crimes (2025): ~400 incidents
• Crime Profile: Mostly larceny and vehicle theft; limited violent crime

Fairmount is often counted among the safest places in Eugene, Oregon. This leafy, centrally located area is home to fewer than 6,000 residents and offers a calm, suburban feel with slower, more manageable traffic. In 2025, Fairmount recorded relatively low crime levels, with around 400 total incidents. Most reported cases involved larcenies (110) and vehicle thefts (94), while burglaries and assaults remained limited.

Its A-grade safety status reflects lower rates of both violent and property crimes, and many residents cite tight-knit community involvement and neighborhood watch initiatives as key factors in maintaining security. Proximity to parks and outdoor spaces adds to its appeal.

4. Laurel Hill Valley

• Crime Grade: A
• Population: <1,000 residents
• Total Crimes: ~296 incidents
• Violent Crime Rate: ~60% lower than the national average

Another safe area in this list is Laurel Hill Valley. It is definitely one of Eugene’s safer neighborhoods, despite being a small one. The population here is under 1,000. There are a lot of green spaces out here, providing a sense of calm and community. In the past year, Lauren Hill Valley saw a total of 296 incidents. Most were property-related crimes. This included 152 cases of larceny and 131 cases of vehicle theft. This area shines bright as violent crimes are 60% lower than the national average. 

Residents benefit from effective neighborhood watch groups and regular interaction with public safety officials. This calm, secure environment is ideal for families and individuals seeking restful, low-risk living conditions

5. Southeast Eugene

• Crime Grade: A
• Population: ~12,000 residents
• Total Crimes (2025): ~523 incidents
• Crime Profile: Low violent crime; moderate property crime

If you’re looking for safe areas to live in Eugene OR, then Southeast Eugene is a good choice. The city has a mix of residential charm and safety performance. This is supported by lower crime rates in these areas, both violent and property cases. This area has a population of around 12,000 and features a community environment with local parks, schools, and civic involvement. In 2025, the city recorded approximately 523 cases. Among these, Larceny (130) and vehicle theft (113) were the most frequent. However, the violent crime cases were very low.

Law enforcement presence and community reporting help maintain steady safety conditions. With its mix of housing options and neighborhood stability, Southeast Eugene remains a popular choice for residents focused on comfort and security.

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Eugene OR

Whether you are relocating with your family or are a student at the University of Oregon, you’d want to know which areas of Eugene are considered safe. A closer look at the data of the safest and most dangerous places in Eugene OR shows that there are higher crime rates and safety concerns relative to other areas in the city. Crime in these locations tends to be elevated both for violent incidents and property offenses, often influenced by factors like population density, economic conditions, and nightlife activity. Below are some of the most dangerous places in Eugene OR, based on recent crime data and local insights that highlight where residents should exercise additional caution.

1. West Eugene

• Population: ~4,500 residents
• Violent Crime Rate: ~386 incidents per 100,000 people
• Primary Issues: Vehicle break-ins, burglaries
• High-Risk Zones: West 11th Avenue corridor

West Eugene is home to around 4,500 people. It is one of the high crime areas in Eugene Oregon, and faces some challenges regarding public safety and security. For reference, over the past 12 months, this area recorded a high violent crime rate (386 incidents per 100,000 people). Property crime, too, is a persistent problem in this area, including vehicle break-ins and residential burglaries.

Because West Eugene is a high-traffic hub for both residential and commercial activity, the increased foot traffic often leads to a higher volume of police reports. Areas along West 11th Avenue are often cited by locals as experiencing higher crime activity, largely due to heavy commercial presence and constant traffic flow. While local law enforcement maintains regular patrols and community groups are actively working on improvement initiatives, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant. Safety experts recommend taking extra precautions after dark and staying aware of your surroundings to mitigate risk.

2. Trainsong

• Population: ~1,300 residents
• Violent Crime Rate (2025): ~460 per 100,000 people
• Property Crime Rate: ~4,200 per 100,000 people
• Key Risk Factor: Proximity to the 99 Corridor

Trainsong has a small population of 1,300. Despite housing fewer people, it is among the high-crime areas in Eugene Oregon. In 2025, Trainsong recorded over 460 violent crimes (per 100,000 people). This area also recorded prosperity-centric crimes (4,200 per 100,000 people). Its location along the 99 Corridor, a busy commercial and transit-heavy stretch, contributes to increased activity and foot traffic.

The most common crimes include theft, vandalism, and burglary, often linked to transit proximity and higher turnover housing. Due to its compact size, crime incidents tend to feel more concentrated, making personal safety precautions especially important. Using amber allows students to filter for accommodation in Eugene OR.

3. Active Bethel

• Population: ~26,000 residents
• Violent Crime Rate: ~500 incidents per 100,000 people
• Property Crime Rate: 4,500+ per 100,000 people
• Common Crimes: Theft, vehicle-related crime, assault

In at number three is Active Bethel. This area has more than 26,000 residents, making it one of the most populated areas in Eugene. Naturally, it also features more crimes. In 2025, this area recorded a lot of violent crimes. Eugene Oregon crime rate by area reveals that there were nearly 500 incidents (per 100,000 people). Property crimes exceeded 4,500 per 100,000 people - one of the highest in the city.

Theft, vehicle-related crimes, and assault are the most frequently reported issues. While community policing initiatives are ongoing, residents are encouraged to remain informed about local safety patterns.

4. Whiteaker

• Population: ~3,600 residents
• Violent Crime Rate: ~409 incidents per 100,000 people
• Property Crime Rate: ~3,000 per 100,000 people
• Crime Drivers: Nightlife and mixed-use spaces

The second last name in this list is Whiteaker. This area houses over 3,600 residents. Despite the modest population, this area doesn’t feature in the list of safest neighborhoods in Eugene Oregon, and is also one of Eugene’s most crime-infested neighborhoods. Data shows that, in 2025, this area had a high crime rate - 409 incidents per 100,000 people. There were around 3,000 (per 100,000 people) property-centric crimes as well.

Theft and burglary are the most common crimes, often linked to nightlife activity and mixed-use spaces. While the area has a strong cultural identity and active community groups, crime rates remain higher than in many surrounding residential neighborhoods.

5. Downtown Eugene

• Population: ~4,400 residents
• Total Crime Rate: ~3,700 incidents per 100,000 people
• Most Common Crimes: Theft, shoplifting, assault
• High-Risk Areas: Transit hubs and nightlife districts

The last area featured in the most dangerous neighborhoods in Eugene OR list is Downtown Eugene. It houses approximately 4,400 residents. Despite a low resident count, it has recorded a high number of crime activities. This is due to it being a key hub of the city’s commercial and transit system. As far as the stats are concerned, in 2025, the city saw quite a few larcenies (130) and vehicle thefts (113). There were roughly 3,700 cases (per 100,000). 

The most common crimes include theft, shoplifting, and assault, particularly near nightlife venues and transit stops. While daytime activity feels lively and safe, extra caution is recommended after dark.

Conclusion

If you’re moving to Eugene OR United States, you must have a thorough understanding of the safest and most dangerous places in Eugene OR. As this guide shows, the city has some of the safest neighborhoods in Eugene Oregon - Santa Clara and South Hills. On the other hand, there are some high-risk areas such as West Eugene and Downtown. Crime in these areas often depends on factors such as population density, transit access, commercial activity, and overall security provided by the city. While it’s true that no city is entirely crime-free, choosing an area with a strong community presence and visible safety measures significantly lowers the crime rates. It goes the same for Eugene. With the right information, residents can enjoy the city’s lifestyle and have peace of mind.

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