Lake Ozark, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lake Ozark, MO

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 Lake Ozark crime rate is lower than the national average by 82.1%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Lake Ozark, equivalent to 278 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 24.9%. Furthermore, Lake Ozark recorded 3 property crimes, amounting to 139 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 92.9%.

Lake Ozark has a crime rate of 416, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Lake Ozark being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

During the most recently reported crime year, Lake Ozark 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.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Lake Ozark records a property crime rate of 139 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Lake Ozark as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Lake Ozark stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lake Ozark?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lake Ozark residents. Out of the respondents (14 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lake Ozark 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 Lake Ozark a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Lake Ozark, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lake Ozark presents a total crime rate that is 82% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lake Ozark experiences an average of 0.02 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.01 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lake Ozark

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. Lake Ozark, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Lake Ozark, 83.6% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Lake Ozark, the cost of living is 2.08% higher than the national average.

Lake Ozark crime map