| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Carthage/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 227 | n/a (estimate) | 1,460 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 25.7 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 147.9 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 174 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 154.4 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 160 | n/a | 1,029.0 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 102.9 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 200 | n/a (estimate) | 1,286 | 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 Carthage is 31.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 27 violent crimes reported in Carthage, equivalent to 174 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 51.6%. Additionally, Carthage recorded 200 property crimes, amounting to 1286 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 26.9%.
Carthage showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Carthage residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Carthage were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 0% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Carthage is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Carthage has an overall crime rate that is 31% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.62 daily occurrences, comprising 0.07 violent crimes and 0.55 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Carthage as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Carthage. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Carthage has decreased by 56.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 38.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 58.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Carthage crime rates. In Carthage, the poverty rate stands at 33.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Carthage currently has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Carthage, the median home price stands at $158,938, diverging from the national average of $326,622. 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 | Carthage | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 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 |
| Oronogo, MO | 2,721 | 0 | 199 | 199 |
| Carl Junction, MO | 8,409 | 272 | 639 | 912 |
| Duquesne, MO | 2,070 | 187 | 785 | 972 |
| Leawood, MO | 646 | 209 | 879 | 1,089 |
| Duenweg, MO | 1,289 | 213 | 895 | 1,109 |
| Sarcoxie, MO | 1,642 | 222 | 932 | 1,153 |
| Shoal Creek Estates, MO | 160 | 230 | 967 | 1,197 |
| Carthage, MO | 15,195 | 174 | 1,286 | 1,460 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jacksonville, TX | 15,199 | 405 | 1,890 | 2,295 |
| Franklin Park, PA | 15,190 | 74 | 215 | 289 |
| Kemp Mill, MD | 15,201 | 226 | 1,103 | 1,329 |
| Hampton Bays, NY | 15,184 | 145 | 655 | 800 |
| Yankton, SD | 15,183 | 274 | 1,968 | 2,242 |
| Carthage, MO | 15,195 | 174 | 1,286 | 1,460 |