University City, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in University City, MO

The University City crime rates are 2.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 75 violent crimes in University City (218 per 100,000 people), which is 40.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 742 property crimes (2162 per 100,000 residents) which is 10.6% higher than average.

When evaluating the University City crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported University City crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

In the most recent release, University City reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In University City, there were 2162 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and University City has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, University City reported 207 vehicle thefts, which equates to 603 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in University City is 1 in 166.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in University City?

What is the prevailing sentiment among University City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 22 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 36% of University City 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, 64% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is University City a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in University City, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. University City presents a total crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, University City experiences an average of 2.24 daily crimes, comprising 0.21 violent incidents and 2.03 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 University City Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in University City has increased by 4.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of University City, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 5.6%, while property crime has increased by 4.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not University City is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in University City

University City has a population density of 5843 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower University City crime rates.

In University City, 91.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In University City, the average monthly rent stands at $1,088, while the national average is $949 per month.

University City crime map