| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Rolla/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 600 | n/a (estimate) | 2,914 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 63.1 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 19.4 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 60 | n/a | 291.4 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 77 | n/a (estimate) | 374 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 69 | n/a | 335.1 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 415 | n/a | 2,015.4 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 189.4 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 523 | n/a (estimate) | 2,540 | 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 Rolla crime rate is higher than the national average by 37.5%. Specifically, there were 77 violent crimes in Rolla, equivalent to 374 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 4.1%. Furthermore, Rolla recorded 523 property crimes, amounting to 2540 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 44.3%.
The violent crime rate in Rolla closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 374 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Rolla as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In the most recently reported crime year, Rolla 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 is the prevailing sentiment among Rolla residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 39 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 38% of Rolla residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 62% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Rolla 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, Rolla has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 38%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.64 daily incidents, encompassing 0.21 violent crimes and 1.43 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Rolla as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Rolla. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Rolla has decreased by 22.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 13.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 23.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Rolla currently has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Rolla, 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.
In Rolla, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.87 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

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| Item | Rolla | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 56 | 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 |
| St. James, MO | 4,184 | 334 | 1,975 | 2,309 |
| Doolittle, MO | 501 | 585 | 2,457 | 3,042 |
| Newburg, MO | 297 | 675 | 2,835 | 3,509 |
| Rolla, MO | 20,807 | 374 | 2,540 | 2,914 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Germantown, WI | 20,803 | 62 | 1,120 | 1,182 |
| Bayou Cane, LA | 20,803 | 473 | 2,088 | 2,561 |
| Cocoa, FL | 20,791 | 1,082 | 3,553 | 4,636 |
| Pittsburg, KS | 20,781 | 366 | 3,494 | 3,860 |
| Warrensburg, MO | 20,839 | 313 | 2,623 | 2,937 |
| Rolla, MO | 20,807 | 374 | 2,540 | 2,914 |