| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Butler/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 180 | n/a (estimate) | 4,217 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 70.3 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 55 | n/a | 1,288.7 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 1,359 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 445.2 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 95 | n/a | 2,225.9 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 187.4 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 122 | n/a (estimate) | 2,858 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

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 Butler crime rate is higher than the national average by 99%. Specifically, there were 58 violent crimes in Butler, equivalent to 1359 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 278.4%. Furthermore, Butler recorded 122 property crimes, amounting to 2858 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 62.4%.
Having a crime rate of 4217 per 100,000 residents, Butler experiences a crime rate that is 99.01% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Butler contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Butler has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1359 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Butler falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 74 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.
In the most recently reported crime year, Butler 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.
To determine if Butler is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Butler has a total crime rate that is 99% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.49 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 0.33 daily property crimes) in Butler.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Butler. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Butler has increased by 25.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 56.8%, while property crime has increased by 15.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Butler.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Butler crime rates. Butler registers a population density of 1037.2 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Butler, the cost of living is 14.56% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Butler, there are 3.32 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

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| Item | Butler | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Adrian, MO | 2,135 | 170 | 851 | 1,021 |
| Rich Hill, MO | 1,449 | 234 | 983 | 1,216 |
| Foster, MO | 75 | 575 | 2,414 | 2,988 |
| Hume, MO | 314 | 584 | 2,452 | 3,036 |
| Amsterdam, MO | 208 | 649 | 2,725 | 3,374 |
| Amoret, MO | 159 | 675 | 2,834 | 3,508 |
| Rockville, MO | 178 | 747 | 3,137 | 3,883 |
| Butler, MO | 4,218 | 1,359 | 2,858 | 4,217 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jefferson, IA | 4,217 | 98 | 1,301 | 1,399 |
| Monte Vista, CO | 4,220 | 449 | 4,911 | 5,360 |
| Brittany Farms-The Highlands, PA | 4,216 | 64 | 373 | 437 |
| Livingston, TN | 4,221 | 319 | 637 | 956 |
| Moxee, WA | 4,222 | 140 | 401 | 542 |
| Butler, MO | 4,218 | 1,359 | 2,858 | 4,217 |