Berkeley, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Berkeley, MO

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Berkeley crime rate is higher than the national average by 354.3%. Specifically, there were 227 violent crimes in Berkeley, equivalent to 2810 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 659.9%. Furthermore, Berkeley recorded 626 property crimes, amounting to 7749 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 296.5%.

Berkeley has a crime rate of 10560 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 354.33%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Berkeley. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Berkeley has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 2810 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Berkeley falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 36 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Berkeley has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 6 murders in Berkeley, which is 74 murders per 100,000 people.

With a property crime rate of 7749 crimes per 100,000 people, Berkeley unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Berkeley is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 13, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Berkeley faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 254 vehicle thefts, translating to 3144 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Berkeley in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 32.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Berkeley?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Berkeley residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 8 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 0% of Berkeley residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 100% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Berkeley a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Berkeley, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Berkeley presents a total crime rate that is 354% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Berkeley experiences an average of 2.34 daily crimes, comprising 0.62 violent incidents and 1.72 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Berkeley Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Berkeley. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Berkeley has increased by 34.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 31.2%, while property crimes have increased by 35.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Berkeley

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Berkeley, 83.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Berkeley, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 6.23 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Berkeley is $63,100, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Berkeley crime map