| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kearney/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 166 | n/a (estimate) | 1,503 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 63.4 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 108.7 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 172 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 54.3 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 126 | n/a | 1,141.2 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 135.9 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 147 | n/a (estimate) | 1,331 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Kearney is 35.3% 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 Kearney, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 172 per 100,000 individuals, 53.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 147 property crimes, amounting to 1331 per 100,000 residents, 31.9% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Kearney registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Determining whether Kearney is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Kearney has an overall crime rate that is 35% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.45 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.4 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Kearney as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kearney. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Kearney has increased by 22.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 17.4%, while property crime has increased by 30.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kearney.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Kearney crime rates. The population density in Kearney is 784.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Kearney, 91.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Kearney is $206,300, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Kearney | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Smithville, MO | 10,269 | 122 | 563 | 685 |
| Oakview, MO | 445 | 0 | 1,102 | 1,102 |
| Oakwood, MO | 188 | 197 | 945 | 1,143 |
| Pleasant Valley, MO | 3,017 | 329 | 915 | 1,244 |
| Lawson, MO | 2,423 | 119 | 1,195 | 1,314 |
| Plattsburg, MO | 2,335 | 229 | 1,098 | 1,327 |
| Lathrop, MO | 2,218 | 231 | 1,108 | 1,339 |
| Kearney, MO | 10,460 | 172 | 1,331 | 1,503 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pleasant View, UT | 10,460 | 80 | 712 | 792 |
| Jessup, MD | 10,458 | 459 | 1,885 | 2,344 |
| Cadillac, MI | 10,462 | 528 | 2,017 | 2,545 |
| Lake Monticello, VA | 10,457 | 216 | 1,563 | 1,778 |
| Sebring, FL | 10,454 | 347 | 2,095 | 2,442 |
| Kearney, MO | 10,460 | 172 | 1,331 | 1,503 |
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