| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lincoln/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 1,475 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 163.9 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 164 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 245.9 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 9 | n/a | 737.7 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 327.9 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 1,311 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

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 Lincoln crime rate is lower than the national average by 30.4%. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes in Lincoln, equivalent to 164 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 54.4%. Furthermore, Lincoln recorded 16 property crimes, amounting to 1311 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 25.5%.
Lincoln showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lincoln 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 Lincoln crime rate is 30% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.05 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lincoln. 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 Lincoln has decreased by 10%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 75%, while property crime has decreased by 33.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lincoln.
In Lincoln, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Lincoln crime rates.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Lincoln crime rates. The population density in Lincoln is 1319.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lincoln, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.51 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Lincoln | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Cole Camp, MO | 1,379 | 0 | 168 | 168 |
| Windsor, MO | 3,060 | 235 | 987 | 1,222 |
| Ionia, MO | 78 | 642 | 2,697 | 3,339 |
| Warsaw, MO | 2,474 | 253 | 4,056 | 4,309 |
| Lincoln, MO | 1,253 | 164 | 1,311 | 1,475 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Magnolia, OH | 1,253 | 100 | 525 | 625 |
| Mazon, IL | 1,253 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cando, ND | 1,254 | 107 | 709 | 816 |
| Auxvasse, MO | 1,254 | 197 | 1,377 | 1,573 |
| Medford, MN | 1,254 | 97 | 605 | 701 |
| Lincoln, MO | 1,253 | 164 | 1,311 | 1,475 |