St. Joseph, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph crime rate is higher than the national average by 118.7%. Specifically, there were 536 violent crimes in St. Joseph, equivalent to 756 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 104.4%. Furthermore, St. Joseph recorded 3068 property crimes, amounting to 4326 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 121.4%.

St. Joseph has a crime rate of 5082 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 118.65%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of St. Joseph. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

St. Joseph ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 756 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in St. Joseph stand at 1 in every 133 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

St. Joseph has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4326 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in St. Joseph is 1 in 24, which is far higher than the national average.

With a total of 455 vehicle thefts last year, St. Joseph has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 642 per 100,000 people. This lands St. Joseph in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 156.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in St. Joseph?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of St. Joseph residents. Out of the respondents (100 in total), 18% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in St. Joseph were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 82% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is St. Joseph a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in St. Joseph, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. St. Joseph presents a total crime rate that is 119% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, St. Joseph experiences an average of 9.87 daily crimes, comprising 1.47 violent incidents and 8.41 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in St. Joseph Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in St. Joseph crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in St. Joseph has increased by 1.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 13.6% and property crime has increased by 0.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in St. Joseph

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 St. Joseph crime rates. In St. Joseph, the poverty rate stands at 16.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

St. Joseph has a population density of 1711.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower St. Joseph crime rates.

In St. Joseph, the average rental rates are $785 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

St. Joseph crime map