Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Missouri

The distinctive mix of major metropolitan areas and rural communities in Missouri engenders significant safety disparities across the state. Residents and visitors must be aware of the potential crimes in the area.

In this article, we will discuss the most dangerous cities in Missouri. We'll share the crime rates and safety tips.

Is Missouri Dangerous?

Violent crime in Missouri is at 6.9 per 1000 residents, way above the national average of 4.0, while property crime is at 29.3 per 1000. For violent crime, Missouri's cities see even more alarmingly high concentrations, such as St. Louis, with 20.1 violent crimes per 1,000 people. And Kansas City, with 16.8, has both rates among the highest in the Midwest. Despite only holding about 40% of the population, more than 65% of Missouri's violent crimes come from these urban centers.

The latest crime trends speak volumes concerning how things are working out: theft of catalytic converters has jumped 27 percent. Many trucks and SUVs in Missouri are missing their catalytic converters. Meth offenses increased by 18 percent along the I-70 corridor. The rural areas showed a 14 percent decline in burglaries due to improved security measures in houses and premises. Organized retail crime still takes its toll on suburban neighborhoods, especially around St. Louis and Springfield.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Missouri

The top 10 most dangerous cities in Missouri show how economic and geographic factors lead to high crime rates in a variety of localities. These municipalities face distinct challenges requiring tailored safety solutions.

St. Louis

St. Louis leads with 20.1 violent crimes and 58.3 property crimes per 1,000 residents, including a homicide rate of 69.4 per 100,000. Abandoned buildings in northern neighborhoods facilitate 42% of drug-related offenses and violent crimes.

The city's Real Time Crime Center utilizes 1,200 cameras to improve response times. However, vehicle thefts continue rising along major corridors like Delmar Boulevard despite increased patrols.

Kansas City

Kansas City reports 16.8 violent crimes and 52.4 property crimes per 1,000, with the East Patrol Division experiencing 5.3 shootings per 1,000. The city's streetcar line has implemented advanced security measures to combat transit-related crimes.

A specialized violent crime task force seized 240 illegal firearms last quarter. Auto thefts remain problematic, particularly in parking lots near entertainment districts.

Springfield

Springfield documents 12.4 violent crimes and 46.7 property crimes per 1,000, with Glenstone Avenue accounting for 38% of retail thefts. The police drone unit now responds to 92% of shooting calls within minutes, improving emergency response.

Homeless encampments contribute to 29% of downtown offenses, prompting new shelter initiatives. Business improvement districts have installed 75 security cameras along commercial corridors.

Columbia

Columbia reports 10.8 violent crimes and 43.2 property crimes per 1,000, concentrated near the University of Missouri campus. Student housing areas experience seasonal crime spikes, particularly during football weekends.

The police department's community outreach unit has improved relations in off-campus neighborhoods. A new lighting initiative decreased nighttime assaults by 21% in the downtown district.

Joplin

Joplin shows 9.7 violent crimes and 40.1 property crimes per 1,000, with Main Street businesses frequently targeted. The city's license plate reader program recovered 58 stolen vehicles last year.

Neighborhood watch programs in residential areas reduced burglaries by 17%. Meth-related crimes remain problematic near the I-44 and I-49 interchange.

Jefferson City

Jefferson City's 8.9 violent crimes and 38.4 property crimes per 1,000 reflect its dual role as capital and college town. The downtown entertainment district accounts for 35% of weekend assaults.

State government security measures have improved safety around the Capitol complex. A new business camera registry helped solve 42 property crime cases.

St. Joseph

St. Joseph documents 8.2 violent crimes and 36.7 property crimes per 1,000, particularly along the Belt Highway corridor. The police department's gang task force made 38 arrests last quarter.

Community policing initiatives in historic neighborhoods have improved resident relations. Auto thefts continue rising, with a 14% increase since 2022.

Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau reports 7.6 violent crimes and 34.2 property crimes per 1,000, influenced by its Mississippi River location. The downtown area sees frequent thefts targeting tourist businesses.

The port authority's new surveillance system reduced cargo theft by 19%. University safety patrols decreased campus-area crimes by 15%.

Branson

Branson shows 7.1 violent crimes and 32.8 property crimes per 1,000, with tourism creating seasonal crime patterns. The 76 Strip experiences 28% more thefts during peak vacation months.

The police tourism unit added 10 seasonal officers to handle summer crowds. Hotel security partnerships reduced guest theft by 23% last year.

Sedalia

Sedalia completes the list with 6.5 violent crimes and 31.4 property crimes per 1,000, primarily in the historic downtown district. The Missouri State Fairgrounds require enhanced security during annual events.

Neighborhood camera registrations helped solve 28 criminal cases. A youth center program decreased juvenile arrests by 19%.

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report, Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Statistics

How to Determine the Most Dangerous Cities in Missouri?

The Missouri State Highway Patrol utilizes the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Standards when analyzing and comparing crime rates in different municipalities. The measures tracked under this system are four violent crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property crimes (burglary, theft, vehicle theft). This is with the rate being calculated per 1,000 residents to allow an accurate comparison among communities of different sizes.

In terms of safety, experts say it is best to look at crime trends occurring over several years rather than just a single year. Because the Missouri SAFE-T Map has interactive tools for displaying statistics at the neighborhood level, it shows that 60% of all violent crime occurs in only 15% of the municipal area. Crime concentration across the varying regions of Missouri closely relates to economic indicators such as the poverty rate and unemployment situation.

How to Stay Safe in Missouri?

Urban residents should prioritize layered security measures in high-risk areas like St. Louis' North City or Kansas City's East Side. Install motion-activated lighting around your property and always park in well-lit, secured areas to deter potential thieves. Consider joining neighborhood watch programs, which have reduced burglaries by 18% in participating Missouri communities through increased vigilance and police collaboration.

The motion tracking security camera - Reolink TrackMix PoE is an excellent option for 24/7 surveillance. It has dual lenses to capture wide-angle and close-up views at the same time. It offers night vision, real-time alerts, two-way audio, and other advanced features for maximum security.

FAQs

What city in Missouri has the highest crime rate?

St. Louis's 20.1 violent crimes per 1,000 lead Missouri. North City neighborhoods see homicide rates exceeding 90% of US cities.

What is the safest city in Missouri?

O'Fallon (VCR: 0.9) combines affluent suburbs with Missouri's most funded police tech ($18M annual budget).

Conclusion

The most dangerous cities in Missouri pose some manageable security concerns for both residents and visitors. With local patterns ranging from St. Louis urban violence to property crimes in Kansas City, safety considerations become more pertinent to protection against threats. Awareness combined with community collaboration and contemporary security options enables people to safeguard their safety and have a great time in the State.