| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lamar/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 160 | n/a (estimate) | 3,709 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 23.2 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 69.5 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 93 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 904.0 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 110 | n/a | 2,549.8 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 162.3 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 156 | n/a (estimate) | 3,616 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Lamar is 75% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Lamar, equivalent to 93 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 74.2%. Additionally, Lamar recorded 156 property crimes, amounting to 3616 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 105.5%.
With only 93 incidents per 100,000 people, Lamar boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Lamar has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Lamar 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.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Lamar - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3616 per 100,000 people, Lamar 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lamar a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Lamar crime rate is 75% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.44 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.43 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lamar. 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 Lamar has decreased by 12.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 76.5%, while property crime has decreased by 6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lamar.
Lamar has a poverty rate of 33.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Lamar, the cost of living is 22.01% 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.
In Lamar, the median home price stands at $156,341, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Lamar | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Liberal, MO | 691 | 469 | 782 | 1,252 |
| Jasper, MO | 980 | 639 | 2,686 | 3,325 |
| Sheldon, MO | 420 | 667 | 2,801 | 3,468 |
| Golden City, MO | 652 | 679 | 2,851 | 3,530 |
| Lamar, MO | 4,393 | 93 | 3,616 | 3,709 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Argyle, TX | 4,393 | 125 | 405 | 529 |
| West Wendover, NV | 4,392 | 846 | 1,535 | 2,381 |
| Lyons, GA | 4,392 | 300 | 1,543 | 1,843 |
| Mather, CA | 4,392 | 298 | 1,274 | 1,572 |
| Plymouth, NH | 4,395 | 136 | 1,652 | 1,788 |
| Lamar, MO | 4,393 | 93 | 3,616 | 3,709 |
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