Missouri is a state with a lot of interesting history, different cultures, and pretty landscapes. But not every spot in the Show Me State is secure and calm.
There are a few cities with a lot of crime and violence, making them risky for both locals and tourists. In this article, we’ll look into the five most perilous cities in Missouri, using the most recent FBI crime information and other references.
Kansas City
Kansas City, the biggest city in Missouri, sits at the heart of a metropolitan region that covers parts of two states. It’s renowned for its barbecue, jazz scene, and sports teams. However, it also grapples with high levels of crime and violence.
In 2020, Kansas City experienced 28.59 violent crimes for every 1,000 residents, ranking it as the fifth most violent city in the state. Additionally, the city saw 6,923 property crimes for every 100,000 residents, surpassing the state average of 6,473.
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Springfield
Springfield, Missouri is the third-largest city in the state and where Route 66 started. It has colleges, museums, and parks. Unfortunately, it has the highest rate of violent crime in Missouri, with 36.13 violent crimes for every 1,000 residents in 2020.
In that year, there were 4,233 violent crimes in the city. This included 33 murders, 333 rapes, 1,056 robberies, and 2,811 aggravated assaults. Springfield also had a high rate of property crime, with 9,507 incidents for every 100,000 residents.
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Joplin
Joplin, a small city in southwest Missouri, experienced a destructive tornado in 2011. Since then, it has worked hard to recover and rebuild its community and economy. However, there are ongoing concerns about crime and safety. In 2020, Joplin ranked third in the state for violent crime, with 22.60 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This included 1,179 violent crimes such as nine murders, 83 rapes, 188 robberies, and 899 aggravated assaults. Additionally, the city had a high rate of property crime, with 8,571 incidents per 100,000 residents.
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St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is the second-largest city in the state and one of the oldest in the USA. It’s known for its Gateway Arch, museums, and sports teams. Unfortunately, it also has a reputation for high crime and violence. In 2020, it had the second-highest violent crime rate in the state, with 22.60 incidents per 1,000 residents.
During that year, there were a total of 6,927 violent crimes in the city, including 262 murders (the most in the state), 348 rapes (the second-highest), 1,927 robberies (the highest), and 4,390 aggravated assaults (the second-highest). Additionally, St. Louis had a high rate of property crime, with 7,454 incidents per 100,000 residents.
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Kennett
Kennett, a small city in southeastern Missouri, is known as the birthplace of singer Sheryl Crow. Unfortunately, it faces significant challenges. In 2020, it had the highest rate of violent crime in the state, with an alarming 51.23 incidents for every 1,000 residents.
During that year, the city experienced a total of 552 violent crimes, which is over half of its population. This included four murders (the highest rate in the state), nine rapes (also the highest), eight robberies (again, the highest), and 531 aggravated assaults (also, the highest).
Additionally, Kennett had a high rate of property crime, with 10,057 incidents for every 100,000 residents, the highest in the state.
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Conclusion
Missouri has its share of attractions and opportunities, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Some cities have higher levels of crime and violence, which means residents and visitors need to be especially cautious.
The five cities in Missouri with the highest crime rates are Kennett, St. Louis, Joplin, Springfield, and Kansas City. These places experience elevated levels of both violent and property crimes, making them less safe and appealing for living or visiting.
If you’re considering a trip or a move to Missouri, it’s advisable to steer clear of these cities or be sure to take extra measures to safeguard yourself and your belongings.
