| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. James/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 136 | n/a (estimate) | 3,392 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 49.9 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 24.9 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 99.8 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 175 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 349.1 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 106 | n/a | 2,643.4 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 224.4 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 129 | n/a (estimate) | 3,217 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
The St. James crime rates are 45.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 7 violent crimes in St. James (175 per 100,000 people), which is 52.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 129 property crimes (3217 per 100,000 residents) which is 64.6% higher than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, St. James 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.
Determining whether St. James 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, St. James has an overall crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.37 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.35 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of St. James 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 St. James. 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 St. James has decreased by 23.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 41.7%, while property crime has decreased by 22.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in St. James.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In St. James, the cost of living is 14.25% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 St. James is $89,200, compared to a national average of $184,700.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In St. James, the average monthly rent stands at $692, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | St. James | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Rolla, MO | 20,273 | 551 | 3,351 | 3,902 |
| Doolittle, MO | 489 | 674 | 3,233 | 3,908 |
| Cuba, MO | 3,305 | 444 | 5,709 | 6,153 |
| Steelville, MO | 1,485 | 1,748 | 4,516 | 6,264 |
| St. James, MO | 4,053 | 175 | 3,217 | 3,392 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Joseph, IL | 4,053 | 197 | 1,155 | 1,352 |
| Cannon Falls, MN | 4,053 | 23 | 1,386 | 1,410 |
| Singac, NJ | 4,054 | 139 | 969 | 1,108 |
| Mount Olive, AL | 4,052 | 207 | 878 | 1,085 |
| Garden Ridge, TX | 4,054 | 90 | 1,531 | 1,621 |
| St. James, MO | 4,053 | 175 | 3,217 | 3,392 |
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