Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Missouri
Missouri faces significant challenges concerning crime and safety, with property crime rates ranking ninth highest in the country. Despite slight year-over-year decreases in property crimes per 1,000 people, personal experiences with property crimes have increased among surveyed residents. Let's delve into the data to unveil the top 10 most dangerous cities in Missouri for 2023:
1. St. Louis
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Population: 298,422
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 2,016 (Most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 5,830 (Sixth most dangerous)
St. Louis, renowned for the Gateway Arch, claims the unenviable title of Missouri's most violent city. In 2020, it reported 6,017 incidents of rape, murder, robbery, and assault, with the second-highest murder rate in the state. Property crime is also a concern, with 3,221 auto thefts and 17,399 property crimes reported.
2. Springfield
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Population: 168,856
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 1,507 (Fifth most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 6,951 (Third most dangerous)
Springfield, the third-largest city in Missouri, maintains its position as the second most dangerous city for the third consecutive year. It ranks fifth in violent crime and fifth in property crime. Notably, it had the ninth-highest rate of rape cases in the state in 2020.
3. Nevada
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Population: 8,246
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 1,976 (Third most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 5,748 (Seventh most dangerous)
Nevada, Missouri, faces significant crime challenges despite its small size. Violent crime is a particular concern, with 149 aggravated assaults and 9 sexual assaults reported in a population of 8,246.
4. Kennett
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Population: 10,005
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 899 (Ninth most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 5,717 (Eighth most dangerous)
Kennett, near the Arkansas border, grapples with high burglary rates, making it the birthplace of singer Sheryl Crow. Additionally, it experiences an alarming rate of violent crimes, including 12 sexual assaults.
5. Branson
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Population: 11,745
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 681 (18th most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 7,952 (Most dangerous)
Branson, known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, faces the highest property crime rate in the state, significantly exceeding the national average. Residents have a 1 in 12 chance of experiencing property crime in 2020.
6. Vinita Park
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Population: 10,951
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 1,461 (Sixth most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 4,620 (18th most dangerous)
Vinita Park, near St. Louis, ranks as Missouri's sixth least safe city, with the highest murder rate in the state and alarmingly high burglary rates. Residents had a 1 in 68 chance of being victims of violent crime in 2020.
7. Bridgeton
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Population: 11,521
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 633 (23rd most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 7,039 (Second most dangerous)
Bridgeton, once a smaller town, now faces high property crime rates, with 811 property crimes reported in a year. It ranks as the seventh most dangerous city in Missouri.
8. Joplin
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Population: 50,935
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 663 (20th most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 6,431 (Fifth most dangerous)
Joplin, in southwestern Missouri, grapples with substantial property crime rates, ranking fifth highest in the state. Rape cases also pose concerns, with the 11th highest rate in Missouri in 2020.
9. Kansas City
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Population: 499,335
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 1,585 (Fourth most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 4,119 (24th most dangerous)
Kansas City, Missouri's largest city, ranks fourth in murder rates, recording about three per week on average. Property crime rates are relatively lower, making it safer if you stick to its safer neighborhoods.
10. Ferguson
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Population: 20,454
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Violent Crimes per 100k: 689 (16th most dangerous)
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Property Crimes per 100k: 5,192 (14th most dangerous)
Ferguson, known for national headlines in 2014, faces ongoing social issues. Property crime is a central concern, including high rates of car thefts, robberies, and burglaries. It ranks as the tenth most dangerous city in Missouri.