| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Joplin/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,506 | n/a (estimate) | 4,681 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 48 | n/a | 89.7 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 28 | n/a | 52.3 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 224 | n/a | 418.4 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 300 | n/a (estimate) | 560 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 223 | n/a | 416.6 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,766 | n/a | 3,298.9 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 217 | n/a | 405.4 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,206 | n/a (estimate) | 4,121 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
The Joplin crime rates are 120.9% higher 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 300 violent crimes in Joplin (560 per 100,000 people), which is 56.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2206 property crimes (4121 per 100,000 residents) which is 134.1% higher than average.
Joplin has a crime rate of 4681 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 120.9%, 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.
Joplin 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.
Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Joplin - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4121 per 100,000 people, Joplin 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.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Joplin ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 217 vehicle thefts, amounting to 405 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Joplin within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 247.
AreaVibes surveyed 113 local residents in Joplin to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 27% of people answered that there was very little crime in Joplin and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 73% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Joplin 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, Joplin has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 121%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 6.87 daily incidents, encompassing 0.82 violent crimes and 6.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Joplin as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Joplin. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Joplin has decreased by 33%. Violent crimes have increased by 10.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 36.4%. 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.
In Joplin, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.6%, 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 Joplin crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Joplin, 84.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 13.66% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| 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 | 2,721 | 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 |
| Galena, KS | 2,962 | 691 | 436 | 1,127 |
| Loma Linda, MO | 854 | 223 | 935 | 1,158 |
| Joplin, MO | 51,877 | 560 | 4,121 | 4,681 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 135 | 868 | 1,003 |
| Country Club, FL | 51,794 | 246 | 1,306 | 1,551 |
| Newark, OH | 51,756 | 282 | 1,627 | 1,909 |
| Maricopa, AZ | 51,744 | 225 | 869 | 1,094 |
| Galveston, TX | 52,052 | 537 | 2,380 | 2,917 |
| Joplin, MO | 51,877 | 560 | 4,121 | 4,681 |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
See the best places to live in Joplin
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Missouri