| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kirkwood/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 468 | n/a (estimate) | 1,609 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 20.6 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 13.8 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 52 | n/a | 178.8 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 62 | n/a (estimate) | 213 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 82.5 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 348 | n/a | 1,196.6 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 34 | n/a | 116.9 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 406 | n/a (estimate) | 1,396 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Kirkwood crime rates are 24.1% lower 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 62 violent crimes in Kirkwood (213 per 100,000 people), which is 40.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 406 property crimes (1396 per 100,000 residents) which is 20.7% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Kirkwood 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Kirkwood residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 56% of Kirkwood residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 44% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Kirkwood, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Kirkwood presents a total crime rate that is 24% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Kirkwood experiences an average of 1.28 daily crimes, comprising 0.17 violent incidents and 1.11 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 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood has decreased by 2.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 29.2% and property crime has decreased by 5.6%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Kirkwood crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Kirkwood has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Kirkwood crime rates. For instance, in Kirkwood, the population density stands at 3113.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Kirkwood has a median home price of $606,786, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Kirkwood | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 67 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Cottleville, MO | 5,566 | 16 | 49 | 65 |
| LaBarque Creek, MO | 1,200 | 65 | 272 | 337 |
| Oakland, MO | 1,587 | 65 | 272 | 337 |
| Clarkson Valley, MO | 2,697 | 72 | 304 | 377 |
| Glendale, MO | 6,004 | 17 | 366 | 383 |
| Pasadena Hills, MO | 1,159 | 84 | 354 | 438 |
| Warson Woods, MO | 2,457 | 0 | 457 | 457 |
| Kirkwood, MO | 28,511 | 213 | 1,396 | 1,609 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oxford, MS | 28,503 | 127 | 1,853 | 1,980 |
| Milton, MA | 28,525 | 52 | 562 | 614 |
| Big Spring, TX | 28,488 | 762 | 2,786 | 3,548 |
| Lafayette, CO | 28,546 | 273 | 2,681 | 2,953 |
| Huntley, IL | 28,474 | 28 | 429 | 457 |
| Kirkwood, MO | 28,511 | 213 | 1,396 | 1,609 |