| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bowling Green/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 717 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 44.8 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 45 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 112.1 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 23 | n/a | 515.7 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 44.8 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 673 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Bowling Green crime rates are 66.1% 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 2 violent crimes in Bowling Green (45 per 100,000 people), which is 87.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 30 property crimes (673 per 100,000 residents) which is 61.8% lower than average.
With a crime rate of 717, significantly below the national average of 2119, Bowling Green 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.
Bowling Green distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 45 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Bowling Green among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Bowling Green 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, Bowling Green has a property crime rate of 673 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Bowling Green is a safe place to live.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bowling Green a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bowling Green crime rate is 66% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.09 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes.
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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green has decreased by 70.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 93.6% and property crime has decreased by 61%.
In Bowling Green, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. 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 Bowling Green crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Bowling Green, the cost of living is 18.72% lower than the national average.
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 Bowling Green, the average monthly rent stands at $930, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Bowling Green | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Louisiana, MO | 3,368 | 153 | 889 | 1,042 |
| Eolia, MO | 313 | 577 | 2,425 | 3,003 |
| Frankford, MO | 464 | 649 | 2,727 | 3,376 |
| Middletown, MO | 222 | 693 | 2,912 | 3,605 |
| Bowling Green, MO | 5,376 | 45 | 673 | 717 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Whitfield, PA | 5,374 | 110 | 639 | 749 |
| West Hills, NY | 5,374 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Williamsville, NY | 5,373 | 325 | 1,469 | 1,794 |
| Sawmills, NC | 5,379 | 375 | 1,964 | 2,340 |
| Carlyss, LA | 5,379 | 459 | 2,025 | 2,484 |
| Bowling Green, MO | 5,376 | 45 | 673 | 717 |