| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 31 | n/a (estimate) | 611 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 19.7 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 177.3 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 197 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 78.8 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 15 | n/a | 295.5 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 39.4 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 414 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ashland is 71.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes reported in Ashland, equivalent to 197 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 45.1%. Additionally, Ashland recorded 21 property crimes, amounting to 414 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 76.5%.
Ashland enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 611, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Ashland as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
In the most recently reported crime year, Ashland 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Ashland has a property crime rate of 414 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Ashland is a safe place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Ashland to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 60% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ashland and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 40% 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 Ashland 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, Ashland has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 71%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.08 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.06 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ashland as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Ashland. 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 Ashland has decreased by 26.2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 42.9%, while property crime has decreased by 40%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Ashland.
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. Ashland, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 Ashland, 85% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Ashland has an average rental rate of $1,452 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Ashland | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Holts Summit, MO | 4,929 | 109 | 18 | 127 |
| St. Martins, MO | 1,205 | 136 | 570 | 706 |
| Pierpont, MO | 74 | 187 | 784 | 971 |
| Lake Mykee Town, MO | 496 | 455 | 1,913 | 2,368 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 43,647 | 334 | 2,039 | 2,373 |
| Columbia, MO | 125,431 | 348 | 2,318 | 2,665 |
| Hartsburg, MO | 123 | 513 | 2,155 | 2,668 |
| Ashland, MO | 4,077 | 197 | 414 | 611 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rumford, ME | 4,077 | 166 | 1,873 | 2,038 |
| Lincoln Village, CA | 4,076 | 273 | 1,166 | 1,439 |
| Elkin, NC | 4,078 | 186 | 974 | 1,161 |
| Gatlinburg, TN | 4,078 | 480 | 2,958 | 3,438 |
| Bunker Hill Village, TX | 4,079 | 74 | 389 | 463 |
| Ashland, MO | 4,077 | 197 | 414 | 611 |