| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waynesville/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 90 | n/a (estimate) | 1,661 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 92.3 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 18.5 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 203.0 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 314 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 147.6 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 56 | n/a | 1,033.4 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 166.1 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 73 | n/a (estimate) | 1,347 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
The Waynesville crime rates are 28.5% lower 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 17 violent crimes in Waynesville (314 per 100,000 people), which is 15.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 73 property crimes (1347 per 100,000 residents) which is 31.1% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Waynesville reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Waynesville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waynesville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% 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 Waynesville 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, Waynesville has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.25 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.2 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Waynesville as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waynesville has decreased by 18.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waynesville, 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 46.9%, while property crime has decreased by 6.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waynesville is a safe place to live.
In Waynesville, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Waynesville crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Waynesville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.43 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Waynesville, the median home price stands at $169,400, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Waynesville | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Crocker, MO | 899 | 0 | 1,202 | 1,202 |
| Richland, MO | 2,388 | 116 | 1,333 | 1,448 |
| St. Robert, MO | 6,193 | 365 | 1,752 | 2,117 |
| Dixon, MO | 991 | 247 | 3,040 | 3,287 |
| Waynesville, MO | 5,260 | 314 | 1,347 | 1,661 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bowling Green, MO | 5,259 | 579 | 2,775 | 3,353 |
| North Sea, NY | 5,263 | 111 | 447 | 559 |
| Monticello, IN | 5,255 | 309 | 1,559 | 1,868 |
| Briar, TX | 5,255 | 271 | 1,444 | 1,715 |
| Greenacres, CA | 5,255 | 418 | 1,957 | 2,375 |
| Waynesville, MO | 5,260 | 314 | 1,347 | 1,661 |
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