| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Caruthersville/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 251 | n/a (estimate) | 4,894 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 19.5 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 175.5 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 53 | n/a | 1,033.3 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 1,228 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 760.4 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 138 | n/a | 2,690.6 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 214.5 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 188 | n/a (estimate) | 3,665 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Caruthersville crime rate is 130.9% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Caruthersville, there were 63 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1228 per 100,000 individuals, 242.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, Caruthersville recorded 188 property crimes, amounting to 3665 per 100,000 residents, 108.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Caruthersville has a crime rate of 4894 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 130.92%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Caruthersville. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
With a violent crime rate of 1228 crimes per 100,000 residents, Caruthersville is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Caruthersville ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 82 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Caruthersville ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Caruthersville, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 19 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Caruthersville - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3665 per 100,000 people, Caruthersville has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Caruthersville residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 20% of Caruthersville residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 80% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Caruthersville 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, Caruthersville has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 131%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.69 daily incidents, encompassing 0.17 violent crimes and 0.52 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Caruthersville as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Caruthersville. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Caruthersville has decreased by 19%. Violent crimes have decreased by 49.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 1.1%. 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.
Caruthersville has a poverty rate that stands at 29.6, 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 Caruthersville 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.
In Caruthersville, the cost of living is 14.85% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Caruthersville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Caruthersville | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Ridgely, TN | 1,926 | 279 | 956 | 1,235 |
| Hayti, MO | 2,458 | 261 | 1,099 | 1,360 |
| Tiptonville, TN | 4,306 | 152 | 1,433 | 1,586 |
| Holland, MO | 144 | 617 | 2,592 | 3,209 |
| Cooter, MO | 354 | 651 | 2,735 | 3,386 |
| Wardell, MO | 436 | 660 | 2,771 | 3,431 |
| Steele, MO | 2,048 | 476 | 3,034 | 3,510 |
| Caruthersville, MO | 5,704 | 1,228 | 3,665 | 4,894 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Byron, MN | 5,704 | 141 | 883 | 1,025 |
| Lake Bluff, IL | 5,703 | 36 | 835 | 871 |
| McKenzie, TN | 5,709 | 286 | 714 | 999 |
| Franklin Center, NJ | 5,697 | 81 | 529 | 610 |
| Rockdale, TX | 5,714 | 810 | 987 | 1,797 |
| Caruthersville, MO | 5,704 | 1,228 | 3,665 | 4,894 |