| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Joplin/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,425 | n/a (estimate) | 6,588 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 15.4 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 45 | n/a | 86.6 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 35 | n/a | 67.3 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 165 | n/a | 317.4 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 253 | n/a (estimate) | 487 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 495 | n/a | 952.1 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2,323 | n/a | 4,468.3 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 354 | n/a | 680.9 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3,172 | n/a (estimate) | 6,101 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Joplin crime rate is higher than the national average by 183.5%. Specifically, there were 253 violent crimes in Joplin, equivalent to 487 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 31.6%. Furthermore, Joplin recorded 3172 property crimes, amounting to 6101 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 212.2%.
Joplin has a crime rate of 6588 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 183.45%, 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 Joplin. 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.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Joplin stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Joplin, there were a total of 8 murders, translating to 15 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Joplin has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 6101 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Joplin is 1 in 17, which is far higher than the national average.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Joplin is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Joplin reported a total of 354 vehicle thefts, resulting in 681 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 147, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Joplin residents. Out of the respondents (107 in total), 24% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Joplin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 76% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Joplin is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Joplin has a total crime rate that is 183% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 9.38 daily crimes (0.69 violent daily crimes and 8.69 daily property crimes) in Joplin.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Joplin. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Joplin has decreased by 8.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 6.6%, while property crime has decreased by 8.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Joplin.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Joplin crime rates. The population density in Joplin is 1328.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Joplin, the cost of living is 17.26% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Joplin, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.98, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Joplin | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 151 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 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 | 2,631 | 75 | 528 | 603 |
| Carl Junction, MO | 8,202 | 180 | 1,017 | 1,197 |
| Duenweg, MO | 1,255 | 232 | 1,112 | 1,343 |
| Loma Linda, MO | 824 | 254 | 1,219 | 1,474 |
| Shoal Creek Estates, MO | 157 | 269 | 1,290 | 1,559 |
| Granby, MO | 2,224 | 270 | 1,294 | 1,564 |
| Galena, KS | 2,869 | 292 | 1,388 | 1,681 |
| Joplin, MO | 50,580 | 487 | 6,101 | 6,588 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Collierville, TN | 50,596 | 148 | 1,188 | 1,336 |
| Catalina Foothills, AZ | 50,631 | 199 | 947 | 1,145 |
| Methuen Town, MA | 50,518 | 144 | 810 | 954 |
| Hoffman Estates, IL | 50,464 | 99 | 953 | 1,052 |
| Madison, AL | 50,717 | 177 | 751 | 928 |
| Joplin, MO | 50,580 | 487 | 6,101 | 6,588 |
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