| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lamar/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 197 | n/a (estimate) | 4,562 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 23.2 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 23.2 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 92.6 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 139 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 41 | n/a | 949.5 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 146 | n/a | 3,381.2 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 92.6 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 191 | n/a (estimate) | 4,423 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Lamar crime rate is higher than the national average by 96.3%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Lamar, equivalent to 139 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 62.4%. Furthermore, Lamar recorded 191 property crimes, amounting to 4423 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 126.3%.
Having a crime rate of 4562 per 100,000 residents, Lamar experiences a crime rate that is 96.3% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Lamar contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
In the most recently reported crime year, Lamar 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.
Lamar has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4423 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Lamar is 1 in 23, which is far higher than the national average.
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 96% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.54 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.52 property crimes.
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 Lamar 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 Lamar has increased by 7.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 64.7% and property crime has increased by 15.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lamar currently has an unemployment rate of 6.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Lamar, 81.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Lamar, the cost of living is 20.66% 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.
| 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 |
| Jerico Springs, MO | 234 | 570 | 2,731 | 3,301 |
| Lamar Heights, MO | 149 | 661 | 3,171 | 3,832 |
| Jasper, MO | 950 | 671 | 3,217 | 3,887 |
| Golden City, MO | 639 | 721 | 3,458 | 4,179 |
| Liberal, MO | 674 | 741 | 3,552 | 4,292 |
| Bronaugh, MO | 193 | 752 | 3,606 | 4,358 |
| Sheldon, MO | 408 | 760 | 3,643 | 4,403 |
| Lamar, MO | 4,284 | 139 | 4,423 | 4,562 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Medford, WI | 4,285 | 163 | 1,815 | 1,978 |
| Summerville, GA | 4,283 | 388 | 1,755 | 2,143 |
| Alvarado, TX | 4,282 | 563 | 1,363 | 1,926 |
| Plymouth, NH | 4,281 | 195 | 1,367 | 1,562 |
| Ashville, OH | 4,281 | 213 | 1,086 | 1,299 |
| Lamar, MO | 4,284 | 139 | 4,423 | 4,562 |
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