| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kearney/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 93 | n/a (estimate) | 825 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 71.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 16 | n/a | 142.0 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 213 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 35.5 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 505.9 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 71.0 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 69 | n/a (estimate) | 612 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Kearney crime rate is 61.1% lower 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 Kearney, there were 24 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 213 per 100,000 individuals, 40.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Kearney recorded 69 property crimes, amounting to 612 per 100,000 residents, 65.2% lower than the U.S. average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Kearney reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Kearney records a property crime rate of 612 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Kearney as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
Is Kearney 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, Kearney has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 61%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.25 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.19 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kearney as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Kearney crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Kearney has decreased by 31.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 4.4% and property crime has decreased by 38.9%.
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 Kearney crime rates. In Kearney, the poverty rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Kearney, the cost of living is 3.33% 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Kearney, the average monthly rent stands at $1,484, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Kearney | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Oakview, MO | 455 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lawson, MO | 2,519 | 79 | 476 | 555 |
| Smithville, MO | 10,630 | 184 | 707 | 891 |
| Plattsburg, MO | 2,421 | 184 | 774 | 959 |
| Lake Waukomis, MO | 916 | 187 | 784 | 971 |
| Oakwood, MO | 193 | 187 | 784 | 971 |
| Lathrop, MO | 2,277 | 198 | 831 | 1,029 |
| Kearney, MO | 10,736 | 213 | 612 | 825 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Bellport, NY | 10,734 | 355 | 1,608 | 1,964 |
| Sedona, AZ | 10,738 | 314 | 1,298 | 1,612 |
| Cambridge, OH | 10,738 | 91 | 1,973 | 2,064 |
| Anderson, CA | 10,734 | 842 | 1,370 | 2,211 |
| Union City, TN | 10,733 | 698 | 2,425 | 3,123 |
| Kearney, MO | 10,736 | 213 | 612 | 825 |