| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bolivar/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 138 | n/a (estimate) | 1,198 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 95.5 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 8.7 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 69.4 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 174 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 112.8 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 97 | n/a | 841.8 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 69.4 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 118 | n/a (estimate) | 1,024 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Bolivar crime rates are 43.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 20 violent crimes in Bolivar (174 per 100,000 people), which is 51.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 118 property crimes (1024 per 100,000 residents) which is 41.8% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Bolivar registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
What do the local residents think about crime in Bolivar? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Bolivar residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 44% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Bolivar a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bolivar has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 43%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.38 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bolivar as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Bolivar crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Bolivar has decreased by 55.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33.3% and property crime has decreased by 58.2%.
Bolivar has a poverty rate of 19.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Bolivar crime rates. The population density in Bolivar is 1377.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Bolivar, 84.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

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| Item | Bolivar | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Walnut Grove, MO | 541 | 0 | 785 | 785 |
| Humansville, MO | 1,438 | 233 | 977 | 1,209 |
| Dadeville, MO | 254 | 496 | 2,083 | 2,579 |
| Morrisville, MO | 600 | 552 | 2,319 | 2,871 |
| Aldrich, MO | 67 | 553 | 2,325 | 2,878 |
| Pleasant Hope, MO | 681 | 572 | 2,402 | 2,974 |
| Halfway, MO | 143 | 581 | 2,439 | 3,019 |
| Bolivar, MO | 11,421 | 174 | 1,024 | 1,198 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Plano, IL | 11,422 | 70 | 572 | 641 |
| Satellite Beach, FL | 11,431 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Weddington, NC | 11,409 | 143 | 750 | 893 |
| Two Rivers, WI | 11,440 | 215 | 485 | 700 |
| Celebration, FL | 11,399 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Bolivar, MO | 11,421 | 174 | 1,024 | 1,198 |