| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Festus/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 226 | n/a (estimate) | 1,734 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 7.7 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 38.4 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 32 | n/a | 245.5 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 38 | n/a (estimate) | 292 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 46.0 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 141 | n/a | 1,081.6 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 41 | n/a | 314.5 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 188 | n/a (estimate) | 1,442 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Festus is 25.4% lower 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 Festus, there were 38 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 292 per 100,000 individuals, 21.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 188 property crimes, amounting to 1442 per 100,000 residents, 26.2% lower than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Festus to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 80% of people answered that there was very little crime in Festus and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 20% 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.
Is Festus a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Festus has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 25%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.62 daily incidents, encompassing 0.1 violent crimes and 0.52 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Festus as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Festus. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Festus has decreased by 8.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 22.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 5.5%. 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.
Festus has a poverty rate of 12.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Festus, the cost of living is 15.19% lower than the national average.
In Festus, the average rental rates are $837 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 | Festus | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 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 |
| Valmeyer, IL | 1,208 | 0 | 164 | 164 |
| LaBarque Creek, MO | 1,165 | 68 | 328 | 397 |
| Crystal City, MO | 4,733 | 149 | 809 | 958 |
| Cedar Hill, MO | 1,625 | 192 | 920 | 1,112 |
| Horine, MO | 1,090 | 249 | 1,195 | 1,444 |
| Arnold, MO | 21,144 | 63 | 1,505 | 1,568 |
| Imperial, MO | 4,947 | 295 | 1,415 | 1,710 |
| Festus, MO | 12,054 | 292 | 1,442 | 1,734 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Londonderry, NH | 12,053 | 121 | 691 | 812 |
| Scotts Valley, CA | 12,055 | 279 | 1,386 | 1,664 |
| Cheval, FL | 12,052 | 99 | 597 | 695 |
| Enumclaw, WA | 12,062 | 55 | 2,057 | 2,112 |
| Overlea, MD | 12,063 | 470 | 1,930 | 2,400 |
| Festus, MO | 12,054 | 292 | 1,442 | 1,734 |
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