| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ferguson/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 751 | n/a (estimate) | 4,211 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 33.6 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 28.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 123.4 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 94 | n/a | 527.1 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 127 | n/a (estimate) | 712 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 99 | n/a | 555.1 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 364 | n/a | 2,040.9 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 161 | n/a | 902.7 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 624 | n/a (estimate) | 3,499 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ferguson is 98.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Ferguson, there were 127 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 712 per 100,000 individuals, 98.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 624 property crimes, amounting to 3499 per 100,000 residents, 98.8% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 4211 crimes per 100,000 people, the Ferguson crime rates stand at 98.7 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Ferguson, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
Ferguson ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 712 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 Ferguson stand at 1 in every 141 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Ferguson stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Ferguson, there were a total of 6 murders, translating to 34 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Ferguson ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 161 vehicle thefts, amounting to 903 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Ferguson within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 111.
AreaVibes surveyed 46 local residents in Ferguson to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 28% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ferguson and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 72% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Ferguson 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. Ferguson has a total crime rate that is 99% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.06 daily crimes (0.35 violent daily crimes and 1.71 daily property crimes) in Ferguson.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ferguson. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ferguson has decreased by 37.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 9.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 41.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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. Ferguson, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Ferguson, 84.5% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Ferguson, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Ferguson | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 58 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Oakland, MO | 1,587 | 65 | 272 | 337 |
| Glendale, MO | 6,004 | 17 | 366 | 383 |
| Pasadena Hills, MO | 1,159 | 84 | 354 | 438 |
| Warson Woods, MO | 2,457 | 0 | 457 | 457 |
| Ballwin, MO | 31,123 | 56 | 484 | 540 |
| Bel-Nor, MO | 1,553 | 119 | 501 | 621 |
| Lakeshire, MO | 1,480 | 133 | 533 | 666 |
| Ferguson, MO | 21,445 | 712 | 3,499 | 4,211 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Hope, MN | 21,432 | 172 | 1,959 | 2,131 |
| Lumberton, NC | 21,466 | 1,677 | 9,944 | 11,620 |
| Stephenville, TX | 21,421 | 180 | 1,161 | 1,340 |
| Green Valley, AZ | 21,416 | 300 | 1,272 | 1,572 |
| Gardner, MA | 21,410 | 329 | 620 | 949 |
| Ferguson, MO | 21,445 | 712 | 3,499 | 4,211 |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
See the best places to live in Ferguson
These are the largest cities in Missouri
Most Dangerous Cities In The US