| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kennett/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 455 | n/a (estimate) | 4,552 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 10.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 110.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 110.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 34 | n/a | 340.1 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 570 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 61 | n/a | 610.2 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 320 | n/a | 3,201.3 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 170.1 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 398 | n/a (estimate) | 3,982 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Kennett is 114.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Kennett, there were 57 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 570 per 100,000 individuals, 58.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 398 property crimes, amounting to 3982 per 100,000 residents, 126.2% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4552 per 100,000 residents, Kennett has a crime rate that is 114.79% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Kennett that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Kennett stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Kennett, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Kennett reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3982 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to property crime in Kennett, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What do the local residents think about crime in Kennett? Well, based on a recent survey of 16 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 6% of Kennett residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 94% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Kennett 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, Kennett has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 115%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.25 daily incidents, encompassing 0.16 violent crimes and 1.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kennett 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 Kennett 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 Kennett has decreased by 32.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 26% and property crime has decreased by 32.9%.
Kennett has a poverty rate that stands at 23, 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 Kennett 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 Kennett, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.7%, 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 Kennett crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Kennett, 69.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

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| Item | Kennett | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Piggott, AR | 3,665 | 85 | 684 | 769 |
| Rector, AR | 2,015 | 271 | 902 | 1,173 |
| Senath, MO | 1,771 | 236 | 993 | 1,229 |
| Clarkton, MO | 1,146 | 254 | 1,069 | 1,324 |
| Holcomb, MO | 770 | 585 | 2,457 | 3,042 |
| Pollard, AR | 222 | 707 | 2,357 | 3,064 |
| Hornersville, MO | 542 | 616 | 2,588 | 3,203 |
| Kennett, MO | 10,386 | 570 | 3,982 | 4,552 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Albans, WV | 10,386 | 225 | 2,089 | 2,313 |
| Lexington, NE | 10,384 | 129 | 1,353 | 1,482 |
| Brandon, SD | 10,388 | 73 | 375 | 448 |
| Bithlo, FL | 10,399 | 174 | 925 | 1,099 |
| Chalco, NE | 10,372 | 161 | 1,192 | 1,353 |
| Kennett, MO | 10,386 | 570 | 3,982 | 4,552 |