Jefferson City, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Jefferson City, MO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Jefferson City crime rate is 11.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Jefferson City, there were 152 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 356 per 100,000 individuals, 3.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Jefferson City recorded 728 property crimes, amounting to 1707 per 100,000 residents, 12.7% lower than the U.S. average.

The Jefferson City crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Jefferson City, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Jefferson City maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 356 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Jefferson City shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

Jefferson City exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1707 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Jefferson City maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Jefferson City?

What do the local residents think about crime in Jefferson City? Well, based on a recent survey of 19 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 37% of Jefferson City residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 63% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Jefferson City a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Jefferson City, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Jefferson City presents a total crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Jefferson City experiences an average of 2.41 daily crimes, comprising 0.42 violent incidents and 1.99 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 Jefferson City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Jefferson City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Jefferson City has increased by 1.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 21.6%, while property crimes have increased by 2.3%. 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 Jefferson City

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Jefferson City currently has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Jefferson City has a median home price of $161,400, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Jefferson City are $653, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Jefferson City crime map