A+
66%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
62%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBowling Green/100k peopleMissouri/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime32n/a (estimate)7172,4032,119
Murder0n/a0.07.85.0
Rape0n/a0.045.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.051.560.6
Assault2n/a44.8357.5256.1
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)45462359
Burglary5n/a112.1236.3229.2
Theft23n/a515.71,306.51,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a44.8398.4258.8
Property crime30n/a (estimate)6731,9411,760

Bowling Green crime map

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The Bowling Green crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bowling Green as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bowling Green crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bowling Green crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Bowling Green, MO

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.

Is Bowling Green 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.

Has Crime in Bowling Green Increased Since Last Year?

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%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bowling Green

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.

Compare Bowling Green, MO Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bowling Green crime rates are 66% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bowling Green are 88% lower than the national average
      • In Bowling Green you have a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bowling Green is safer than 81% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bowling Green has increased by 44%

      Bowling Green, MO Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Bowling Green (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Bowling Green for every 100,000 residents. The Bowling Green total amount of daily crime is 3.35 times less than the Missouri average and 2.95 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Bowling Green, is 10.30 times less than the Missouri average, and it is 8.01 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Bowling Green has a daily crime average that is 2.89 times less than the Missouri average and 2.62 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Bowling Green (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Missouri and all other cities across the US, is Bowling Green safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Bowling Green is safer than 83% of other cities in the state of Missouri. In addition, Bowling Green is safer than 81% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Missouri and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Bowling Green. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Bowling Green is above average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bowling Green

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bowling Green is 1 in 2231
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bowling Green is 1 in 149
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bowling Green is 1 in 140
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Bowling Green, Missouri? If you reside in Bowling Green, then there is a 1 in 2231 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 149. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 140 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Bowling Green.

        Year Over Year Crime In Bowling Green (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Bowling Green, Missouri (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Bowling Green has increased by 88%, the amount of property crime in Bowling Green has increased by 42%, and the total amount of crime in Bowling Green has increased by 44% year over year.

        Bowling Green police department

        Item Bowling Green Missouri National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1512,115558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.83.73.3
        There are a total of 15 Bowling Green police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 24.9% less than the Missouri average and 13.9% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Missouri

        State Total offenders Missouri /100K National /100K
        Missouri19,657344266
        There are a total of 19,657 sex offenders in Missouri. This yields a total of 344 sex offenders in Missouri per 100,000 residents which is 29% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Louisiana, MO3,3681538891,042
        Eolia, MO3135772,4253,003
        Frankford, MO4646492,7273,376
        Middletown, MO2226932,9123,605
        Bowling Green, MO5,37645673717

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Whitfield, PA5,374110639749
        West Hills, NY5,374124559683
        Williamsville, NY5,3733251,4691,794
        Sawmills, NC5,3793751,9642,340
        Carlyss, LA5,3794592,0252,484
        Bowling Green, MO5,37645673717
        Source: The Bowling Green, MO crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.