As of the year 2020, the population of Jefferson County, which is located in the eastern region of the state of Missouri, is around 226,739. There are a number of safe and pleasant areas to live in the county; nevertheless, there are also some communities in the county that have a higher incidence of crime and violence.
According to the crime per capita map on CrimeGrade.org, the following are the five neighborhoods in Jefferson County that are considered to be the most dangerous:
Horine
This area is in the southeast of the county, close to the Ste. Genevieve County border. The violent crime rate here is 4.3 for every 1,000 residents, which is over double the county’s average of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, Horine experiences a high property crime rate, with 40.9 per 1,000 residents, compared to the county’s average of 18 per 1,000 residents.
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De Soto
This city is in the middle of the county, next to Joachim Creek. It experiences a high level of violent crime, at 3.9 incidents for every 1,000 residents. This is nearly double the county average of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, De Soto sees a high rate of property crime, with 36.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is much higher than the county average of 18 per 1,000 residents.
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Crystal City
This city is in the northeast part of the county, near the Mississippi River. It has a higher violent crime rate, at 3.6 per 1,000 residents, which is almost double the county’s average of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, Crystal City experiences a higher rate of property crime, with 34.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the county’s average of 18 per 1,000 residents.
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Festus
This city in the northeast of the county sits by the Mississippi River. Its violent crime rate is 3.4 for every 1,000 residents, exceeding the county average of 2.1 per 1,000 residents by over one and a half times. Additionally, Festus experiences a high property crime rate, with 33.9 per 1,000 residents, in contrast to the county average of 18 per 1,000 residents.
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Pevely
This city is in the northeast of the county, near Interstate 55. It has a higher-than-average violent crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents, while the county’s average is 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Pevely also experiences a higher rate of property crime at 32.7 per 1,000 residents, compared to the county average of 18 per 1,000 residents.
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Conclusion
These neighborhoods are dangerous not only for the people who live there, but also for any tourists or commuters who might be traveling through them. You should be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect yourself and your property if you live or work in these locations, or if you plan to visit them for any reason, because they pose a threat to your safety.
Even though the rates of crime and violence in these communities are significantly higher in comparison to those in other regions of Jefferson County and the state of Missouri as a whole, they are not hopeless or beyond redemption.
There are a significant number of people who not only work but also live in these regions who are actively working toward the goal of making them better and safer for everyone. We are all able to make a contribution to the betterment and security of these areas if we are aware of the obstacles and opportunities that exist in them.
