| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ash Grove/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 1,399 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 66.6 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 399.7 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 466 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 266.5 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 9 | n/a | 599.6 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 66.6 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 933 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Ash Grove crime rates are 34% 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 7 violent crimes in Ash Grove (466 per 100,000 people), which is 29.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 14 property crimes (933 per 100,000 residents) which is 47% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Ash Grove 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.
Is Ash Grove 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, Ash Grove has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 34%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.06 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ash Grove as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Ash Grove crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Ash Grove has decreased by 70% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 12.5% and property crime has decreased by 77.4%.
Ash Grove has a poverty rate that stands at 15.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Ash Grove crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Ash Grove, the cost of living is 18.19% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Ash Grove, there are 2.69 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 | Ash Grove | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 4 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Battlefield, MO | 6,508 | 159 | 477 | 636 |
| Willard, MO | 5,734 | 198 | 441 | 639 |
| Walnut Grove, MO | 541 | 0 | 785 | 785 |
| Greenfield, MO | 1,446 | 220 | 922 | 1,142 |
| Republic, MO | 17,135 | 126 | 1,059 | 1,186 |
| Mount Vernon, MO | 4,602 | 22 | 1,807 | 1,829 |
| Dadeville, MO | 254 | 496 | 2,083 | 2,579 |
| Ash Grove, MO | 1,457 | 466 | 933 | 1,399 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Velda City, MO | 1,457 | 245 | 1,029 | 1,274 |
| Sumas, WA | 1,458 | 0 | 772 | 772 |
| Woodland Park, NE | 1,456 | 81 | 596 | 677 |
| Moroni, UT | 1,458 | 94 | 578 | 672 |
| Callahan, FL | 1,458 | 97 | 514 | 611 |
| Ash Grove, MO | 1,457 | 466 | 933 | 1,399 |