Eugene, Oregon, is well-known for its progressive culture, natural beauty, and academic prowess. However, not all areas in Eugene are as safe and livable as they appear. Some communities have greater crime rates, poorer incomes, and a worse standard of living than others. In this post, we will present the five most hazardous and worst neighborhoods in Eugene, Oregon, using the most recent statistics from AreaVibes and RoadSnacks.
1. West University
- Overall Snackability: 5/10
- Population: 8,147 Violent crimes per 100,000: 604
- Property Crime Per 100,000: 5,273
- The median home value is $245,286 (5th poorest)
- The median income is $51,736 (9th lowest)
West University is a neighborhood in Eugene near the University of Oregon campus. The median house value and income are low, while the crime rate is high. The violent crime rate of West University is 604 per 100,000 people, which is 60% more than Eugene’s average. The property crime rate is 5,273 per 100,000 persons, or 131% greater than the Eugene average. West University is also noted for its noise pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of facilities.
2. Trainsong
- Overall Snackability: 5/10
- The population is 1,299, with 503
- violent crimes per 100,000 people and 5,328 property crimes per 100,000 people
- The median home value is $219,000 (2nd poorest)
- The median income is $50,854 (8th poorest)
Trainsong is a neighborhood in Eugene that is situated on train lines. It has the second-lowest median house value and the city’s eighth-lowest median income. Trainsong’s violent crime rate is 503 per 100,000 inhabitants, 33% more than Eugene’s average. The property crime rate is 5,328 per 100,000 persons, or 132% more than the Eugene average. Trainsong is also noted for its little diversity, high unemployment rate, and poor walkability.
3. Whiteaker
- Overall SnackAbility: 4/10
- Population: 3,610
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 469
- Property Crime Per 100k: 4,807
- Median Home Value: $266,267 (6th worst)
- Median Income: $34,549 (3rd worst)
Whiteaker is a neighborhood in Eugene that is near the Willamette River. The median house value and income are low, while the crime rate is high. Whiteaker’s violent crime rate is 469 per 100,000 inhabitants, 28% more than Eugene’s average. The property crime rate is 4,807 per 100,000 persons, or 94% more than the Eugene average. Whiteaker is also noted for its drug abuse, homeless population, and graffiti.
4. Far West
- Overall Snackability: 7/10
- Population: 4,506
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 417
- Property Crime Per 100,000: 6,258
- The median home value is $591,140 (lowest).
- The median income is $115,271 (3rd poorest).
Far West is Eugene, Oregon’s most hazardous and deadliest neighborhood. It is situated near the West Eugene Wetlands. It has the lowest median house value and the third-lowest median income in the area. Far West’s violent crime rate is 417 per 100,000 inhabitants, 11% more than Eugene’s average. The property crime rate is 6,258 per 100,000 inhabitants, 228% more than Eugene’s average. Far West is also noted for its high poverty rate and low standard of living.
5. Jefferson Westside
- Overall Snackability: 8/10
- Population: 8,599
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 437
- Property Crime Per 100,000: 5,236
- The median home value is $147,138 (lowest)
- The median income is $46,446 (7th poorest)
Jefferson Westside is a neighborhood in Eugene that is near Washington Park. It has the city’s poorest median house value and seventh-worst median income. The violent crime rate in Jefferson Westside is 437 per 100,000 inhabitants, 16% more than Eugene’s average. The property crime rate is 5,236 per 100,000 persons, 129% greater than Eugene’s average. Jefferson Westside is also noted for its little diversity and high unemployment rate.
Conclusion
Eugene, Oregon, renowned for its progressive ethos and natural beauty, has urban issues in communities such as West University, Trainsong, Whiteaker, Far West, and Jefferson Westside. Despite their closeness to cultural and educational institutions, these neighborhoods struggle with high crime rates, poor salaries, and a variety of socioeconomic challenges. While Eugene’s general attraction remains strong, residents and future residents must manage local inequalities with knowledge and discernment to ensure a nuanced grasp of the city’s diverse geography.