Maryland Heights, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Maryland Heights, MO

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Maryland Heights is 28.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 85 violent crimes reported in Maryland Heights, equivalent to 306 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 17.3%. Additionally, Maryland Heights recorded 743 property crimes, amounting to 2673 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 36.8%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Maryland Heights experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Maryland Heights ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 187 vehicle thefts, amounting to 673 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Maryland Heights within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 149.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Maryland Heights?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Maryland Heights residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Maryland Heights were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Maryland Heights a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Maryland Heights, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Maryland Heights presents a total crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Maryland Heights experiences an average of 2.27 daily crimes, comprising 0.23 violent incidents and 2.04 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 Maryland Heights Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Maryland Heights has increased by 17.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Maryland Heights is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 93.2%, while property crime has increased by 12.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Maryland Heights.

Potential Causes for Crime in Maryland Heights

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Maryland Heights crime rate. The poverty level in Maryland Heights is 7.4%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Maryland Heights, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Maryland Heights has a population density of 1233.8 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Maryland Heights crime rates.

Maryland Heights crime map