| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 47 | n/a (estimate) | 950 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 20.2 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 181.9 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 202 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 101.1 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 32 | n/a | 646.7 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 37 | n/a (estimate) | 748 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ashland is 59.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes reported in Ashland, equivalent to 202 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 45.4%. Additionally, Ashland recorded 37 property crimes, amounting to 748 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 61.7%.
In the latest reported crime year, Ashland recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Ashland stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
What do the local residents think about crime in Ashland? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of Ashland residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ashland 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 Ashland crime rate is 59% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.13 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.1 property crimes.
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 Ashland 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 Ashland has increased by 11.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 42.9% and property crime has increased by 5.7%.
In Ashland, the poverty rate currently stands at 4.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Ashland crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Ashland, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
In Ashland, the average rental rates are $955 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.
| Item | Ashland | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Holts Summit, MO | 4,790 | 74 | 626 | 700 |
| St. Martins, MO | 1,161 | 157 | 752 | 908 |
| Pierpont, MO | 72 | 339 | 1,627 | 1,967 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 42,670 | 356 | 1,707 | 2,063 |
| Lake Mykee Town, MO | 480 | 481 | 2,306 | 2,786 |
| Columbia, MO | 122,659 | 472 | 2,615 | 3,086 |
| Centertown, MO | 309 | 543 | 2,605 | 3,149 |
| Ashland, MO | 3,956 | 202 | 748 | 950 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Weaverville, NC | 3,956 | 21 | 3,391 | 3,412 |
| Southgate, KY | 3,957 | 0 | 683 | 683 |
| Lake San Marcos, CA | 3,957 | 273 | 1,280 | 1,553 |
| Level Green, PA | 3,957 | 116 | 613 | 729 |
| Grand Mound, WA | 3,957 | 256 | 2,288 | 2,544 |
| Ashland, MO | 3,956 | 202 | 748 | 950 |
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