| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | De Soto/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 256 | n/a (estimate) | 3,933 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 46.1 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 61.5 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 28 | n/a | 430.2 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 538 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 169.0 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 194 | n/a | 2,980.5 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 245.8 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 221 | n/a (estimate) | 3,395 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the De Soto crime rate is 85.6% 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 De Soto, there were 35 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 538 per 100,000 individuals, 49.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, De Soto recorded 221 property crimes, amounting to 3395 per 100,000 residents, 92.9% higher than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, De Soto 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in De Soto. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 14% of people felt that there was very little crime in De Soto and felt safe walking alone at night. While 86% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in De Soto, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. De Soto presents a total crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, De Soto experiences an average of 0.7 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 0.61 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in De Soto. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in De Soto has increased by 106.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 483.3%, while property crimes have increased by 87.3%. 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 De Soto crime rates. In De Soto, the poverty rate stands at 16.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In De Soto, 73.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The median home price in De Soto is $200,295, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | De Soto | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Valmeyer, IL | 1,236 | 0 | 249 | 249 |
| Cedar Hill, MO | 1,686 | 144 | 603 | 747 |
| Horine, MO | 1,133 | 224 | 942 | 1,166 |
| Festus, MO | 12,514 | 183 | 1,030 | 1,212 |
| Hillsboro, MO | 3,366 | 200 | 1,112 | 1,312 |
| Pevely, MO | 6,102 | 231 | 1,104 | 1,335 |
| Imperial, MO | 5,109 | 258 | 1,083 | 1,340 |
| De Soto, MO | 6,612 | 538 | 3,395 | 3,933 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Galax, VA | 6,612 | 310 | 4,535 | 4,845 |
| West Yarmouth, MA | 6,612 | 270 | 951 | 1,221 |
| Bowleys Quarters, MD | 6,614 | 297 | 1,448 | 1,745 |
| Rittman, OH | 6,610 | 257 | 1,356 | 1,613 |
| Howland Center, OH | 6,609 | 207 | 1,093 | 1,300 |
| De Soto, MO | 6,612 | 538 | 3,395 | 3,933 |