| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Poplar Bluff/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 77 | n/a (estimate) | 476 | 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 | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 43.3 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 43 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 43.3 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 47 | n/a | 290.5 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 98.9 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 433 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Poplar Bluff is 79.5% 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 Poplar Bluff, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 43 per 100,000 individuals, 88.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 70 property crimes, amounting to 433 per 100,000 residents, 77.9% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 476, significantly below the national average of 2324, Poplar Bluff stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Poplar Bluff stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 43 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Poplar Bluff secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Poplar Bluff experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Poplar Bluff maintains a property crime rate of 433 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Poplar Bluff as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Poplar Bluff. Based on the results of the surveys (29 responses), 48% of people felt that there was very little crime in Poplar Bluff and felt safe walking alone at night. While 52% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Poplar Bluff, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Poplar Bluff presents a total crime rate that is 80% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Poplar Bluff experiences an average of 0.21 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.19 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Poplar Bluff has decreased by 93.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Poplar Bluff, 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 91.8%, while property crime has decreased by 93.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Poplar Bluff is a safe place to live.
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. Poplar Bluff, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Poplar Bluff, 75.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Poplar Bluff, there are 3.38 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Poplar Bluff | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 58 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Puxico, MO | 1,133 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fairdealing, MO | 459 | 202 | 969 | 1,171 |
| Fisk, MO | 562 | 751 | 3,602 | 4,353 |
| Qulin, MO | 936 | 778 | 3,730 | 4,508 |
| Naylor, MO | 731 | 779 | 3,735 | 4,513 |
| Neelyville, MO | 285 | 789 | 3,781 | 4,570 |
| Williamsville, MO | 336 | 789 | 3,781 | 4,570 |
| Poplar Bluff, MO | 16,979 | 43 | 433 | 476 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| La Marque, TX | 16,983 | 441 | 3,645 | 4,085 |
| Ojus, FL | 16,972 | 250 | 1,511 | 1,760 |
| Lake Mary, FL | 16,987 | 128 | 1,208 | 1,336 |
| Islip, NY | 16,965 | 342 | 1,371 | 1,713 |
| Phoenixville, PA | 16,961 | 233 | 1,235 | 1,468 |
| Poplar Bluff, MO | 16,979 | 43 | 433 | 476 |
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