| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Jefferson City/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,010 | n/a (estimate) | 2,373 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 40 | n/a | 94.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 30.5 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 89 | n/a | 209.1 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 142 | n/a (estimate) | 334 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 60 | n/a | 141.0 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 761 | n/a | 1,788.0 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 47 | n/a | 110.4 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 868 | n/a (estimate) | 2,039 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
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 Jefferson City is 12% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 142 violent crimes reported in Jefferson City, equivalent to 334 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 7.1%. Additionally, Jefferson City recorded 868 property crimes, amounting to 2039 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 15.9%.
In terms of the total Jefferson City crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Jefferson City, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
The violent crime rate in Jefferson City closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 334 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Jefferson City as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Jefferson City 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Jefferson City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 52% of people answered that there was very little crime in Jefferson City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 48% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Jefferson City 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, Jefferson City has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 12%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.77 daily incidents, encompassing 0.39 violent crimes and 2.38 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Jefferson City as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Jefferson City. 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 Jefferson City has increased by 16.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 13.6%, while property crime has increased by 16.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Jefferson City.
Jefferson City reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Jefferson City crime rates.
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 Jefferson City crime rates. Jefferson City registers a population density of 1209.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Jefferson City has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.88 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Jefferson City | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 125 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Holts Summit, MO | 4,929 | 109 | 18 | 127 |
| Wardsville, MO | 1,783 | 74 | 312 | 386 |
| Ashland, MO | 4,077 | 197 | 414 | 611 |
| Taos, MO | 1,450 | 130 | 546 | 676 |
| St. Martins, MO | 1,205 | 136 | 570 | 706 |
| Westphalia, MO | 422 | 406 | 1,707 | 2,114 |
| St. Thomas, MO | 303 | 407 | 1,712 | 2,119 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 43,647 | 334 | 2,039 | 2,373 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Schertz, TX | 43,642 | 154 | 887 | 1,041 |
| Mankato, MN | 43,578 | 256 | 2,610 | 2,865 |
| Linden, NJ | 43,551 | 263 | 1,720 | 1,983 |
| Urbana, IL | 43,747 | 544 | 2,492 | 3,036 |
| Hicksville, NY | 43,793 | 214 | 970 | 1,184 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 43,647 | 334 | 2,039 | 2,373 |
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