| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centralia/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 68 | n/a (estimate) | 1,438 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 63.4 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 84.6 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 148 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 105.7 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 52 | n/a | 1,099.6 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 84.6 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 1,290 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
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 Centralia crime rate is lower than the national average by 38.1%. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes in Centralia, equivalent to 148 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 60%. Furthermore, Centralia recorded 61 property crimes, amounting to 1290 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 34%.
In the latest reported crime year, Centralia 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.
To determine if Centralia is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Centralia has a total crime rate that is 38% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.19 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.17 daily property crimes) in Centralia.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Centralia has decreased by 15%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Centralia, 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 22.2%, while property crime has decreased by 14.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Centralia is a safe place to live.
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 Centralia, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.92 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.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Centralia is $129,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Centralia, the average rental rates are $457 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Centralia | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Hallsville, MO | 1,686 | 191 | 913 | 1,104 |
| Auxvasse, MO | 1,229 | 297 | 1,978 | 2,275 |
| Sturgeon, MO | 1,102 | 598 | 2,870 | 3,468 |
| Mexico, MO | 11,535 | 618 | 2,965 | 3,583 |
| Renick, MO | 151 | 684 | 3,281 | 3,966 |
| Clark, MO | 252 | 777 | 3,724 | 4,501 |
| Centralia, MO | 4,260 | 148 | 1,290 | 1,438 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Medina, TN | 4,260 | 112 | 525 | 637 |
| Morgan, UT | 4,259 | 115 | 901 | 1,016 |
| Highlands-Baywood Park, CA | 4,261 | 130 | 609 | 738 |
| Cortland, IL | 4,261 | 0 | 727 | 727 |
| North Plymouth, MA | 4,258 | 170 | 566 | 736 |
| Centralia, MO | 4,260 | 148 | 1,290 | 1,438 |
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