West Plains, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Plains, 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 West Plains crime rate is higher than the national average by 58%. Specifically, there were 51 violent crimes in West Plains, equivalent to 416 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 12.6%. Furthermore, West Plains recorded 399 property crimes, amounting to 3257 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 66.6%.

The violent crime rate in West Plains closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 416 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights West Plains as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Plains?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of West Plains residents. Out of the respondents (24 in total), 42% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in West Plains were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 58% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is West Plains a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in West Plains, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. West Plains presents a total crime rate that is 58% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, West Plains experiences an average of 1.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.14 violent incidents and 1.09 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 West Plains Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Plains has decreased by 18.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West Plains, 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 decreased by 32.9%, while property crime has decreased by 16%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Plains is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Plains

West Plains has a population density of 923.8 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 West Plains crime rates.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In West Plains, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.56 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

The median home price in West Plains is $95,400, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

West Plains crime map