This Is the Most Dangerous City in Missouri

A safe neighborhood is usually the most crucial factor when looking for a home or business property, especially in Missouri. While the state has many safe locations, areas with extremely high crime rates make this state one of the most dangerous in the United States. But what is the most dangerous city in Missouri? Below is a list of the 5 most dangerous cities in the state and their crime rates.

The Most Dangerous Cities in Missouri

1. Kansas City

• Population: 499,335
• Violent Crimes: in 2020: 7,919
• Murder Rate: 0.35 per 1,000 people
• Median Household Income: $55,259
• Poverty Rate: 16.1%

Kansas City is the most dangerous city in Missouri, according to statistics from 2020, with a crime rate of 94.54 cases per 1,000 people. It also has the highest murder rate in the state, with 176 murders committed in 2020, the highest in its history dating back to 1985. While violent crimes in the state have stagnated, property crimes in the state have decreased. In fact, property crimes in 2020 were the second-lowest in the city’s history since 1985. But Kansas City is not only known for its high crime rate, it is also the cultural epicenter of Missouri, with a vibrant community.

2. Saint Louis

• Population: 301,578
• Violent Crimes: in 2020: 6,017
• Murder Rate: 0.87 per 1,000 people
• Median Household Income: $43,896
• Poverty Rate: 21.8%

St. Louis is Missouri’s second most dangerous city, with 6,017 violent crimes in 2020, of which 263 were murders. In the same year, the state’s murder rate was 0.87 per 1,000 residents. Between 2010 and 2020, the violent crime rates haven’t really changed. However, in 2020, that changed, and it increased by 36% over the prior year. While that’s devastating news, some good news is that property crime is steadily declining in the state, hitting a 10-year low in 2020 with 17,399 incidents.

St. Louis is one of the most well-known cities in the USA, and it is home to the iconic Gateway Arch. But, unfortunately, it has a bad reputation, often ranking in the top 10 of the USA’s most dangerous cities. For example, in 2020, St. Louis residents or visitors had a one-in-50 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

3. Springfield

• Population: 168,856
• Violent Crimes: in 2020: 2,545
• Murder Rate: 0.13 per 1,000 people
• Median Household Income: $36,856
• Poverty Rate: 22.9%

While crime statistics vary by neighborhood, in 2020, Springfield experienced 144.5 crimes per 1,000 people. As a result, there was a 1-in-8 chance of falling victim to a crime. Furthermore, this city has the third-highest number of murders in the state. However, Springfield is a bustling city with a rich cultural scene and steady job growth rate, making it popular among younger individuals looking to start their adult lives. But, unfortunately, the city can’t seem to get its crime under control. Not only is Springfield one of the most dangerous cities in Missouri, but it is also one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.

4. Joplin

• Population: 50,935
• Violent Crimes: in 2020: 338
• Murder Rate: 0.18 per 1,000 people
• Median Household Income: $45,449
• Poverty Rate: 18.2%

In 2020, Joplin experienced a high crime rate of 137.33 incidents per 1,000 residents. However, the town saw a major decline in crimes like larceny, arson, vehicle theft, and burglary since 2010. But unfortunately, violent crimes have steadily increased since 2010, reaching its highest point in 2020 with 338 incidents. The city saw an increase in crimes like assault and murder, which are the highest in recent memory. For example, Joplin experienced 210 reported cases of aggravated assault in 2020, which increased from 179 in 2019.

5. Kennett

• Population: 10,005
• Violent Crimes: in 2020: 90
• Murder Rate: 0.10 per 1,000 people
• Median Household Income: $46,163
• Poverty Rate: 25.1%

While the crime statistics for Kennett are relatively low (there was only one murder in 2020), because of this town’s small population, it has a high crime rate. In 2020, this town saw 125.14 crimes per 1,000 residents. Like Joplin, Kennett’s property crime rate has decreased since 2012, but its violent crime has risen significantly since 2003, with 90 reported cases in 2020. Of these 90 violent crimes, aggravated assault comprised most of the incidences. Kennett sits in the bootheel of Missouri and has a family-friendly feel and favorable school system, which is why it’s so sad that this town is one of the most dangerous cities in Missouri.

How Missouri Crime Rates Have Evolved Over the Years

While Missouri has seen a steady decline in property crime since the mid-1990s, violent crime has been the highest since 2007, with a whopping 542.7 offenses per 100,000 people throughout the state. Missouri has a high crime rate compared to the rest of the USA. However, the state wasn’t always plagued with crime. Throughout the mid-90s, it kept up with the rest of the country regarding violent crime and had a lower property crime rate compared to many other states. But, since 2001, violent crime has consistently increased in the state. In 2020, the homicide rate was the highest it has ever been, with 11.8 incidents per 100,000 people.

How to Stay Safe in Missouri

So, now that you know how dangerous some of Missouri’s cities are, it’s essential to ensure your safety when visiting the state. Below is a list of tips that can keep you safe no matter where in Missouri you find yourself:

• Install electronic deadbolt locks on your outside doors
• Always ensure your car doors are locked, and if possible, keep it in a locked garage
• Keep your window locked at all times.
• Use an alarm system to deter crime.
• Always lock your house doors, even if you leave the house for a few minutes.
• Don’t hide spare keys outside your house
• Record serial and model numbers of expensive equipment
• Don’t leave important or confidential personal items or paperwork in your vehicle.
• Always walk with a companion
• Avoid areas known for crime and keep to well-lit spaces.
• Report any activity that might seem suspicious as soon as possible.