Smithville, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Smithville, 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 Smithville crime rate is lower than the national average by 70.5%. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes in Smithville, equivalent to 122 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 67%. Furthermore, Smithville recorded 60 property crimes, amounting to 563 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 71.2%.

With a crime rate of 685, significantly below the national average of 2324, Smithville stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Smithville reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Smithville maintains a property crime rate of 563 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Smithville as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

Is Smithville a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Smithville a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Smithville crime rate is 71% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.2 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes.

Has Crime in Smithville Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Smithville. 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 Smithville has decreased by 31.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 18.8%, while property crime has decreased by 34.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Smithville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Smithville

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Smithville crime rates. In Smithville, the poverty rate stands at 6.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Smithville, the cost of living is 7.76% 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 impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Smithville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Smithville crime map