| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Matthews/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 6,426 | 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 | 4 | n/a | 803.2 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 803 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 401.6 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 25 | n/a | 5,020.1 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 200.8 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 5,622 | 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 Matthews crime rate is higher than the national average by 203.2%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Matthews, equivalent to 803 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 123.7%. Furthermore, Matthews recorded 28 property crimes, amounting to 5622 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 219.4%.
Having a crime rate of 6426 per 100,000 residents, Matthews experiences a crime rate that is 203.21% 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, Matthews 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.
With a violent crime rate of 803 crimes per 100,000 residents, Matthews is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Matthews ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
In the most recently reported crime year, Matthews 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.
With a property crime rate of 5622 crimes per 100,000 people, Matthews unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Matthews is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 18, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
Determining whether Matthews is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Matthews has an overall crime rate that is 203% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.09 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Matthews as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Matthews. 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 Matthews has increased by 39.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 33.3%, while property crime has increased by 40%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Matthews.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Matthews crime rates. In Matthews, the poverty rate stands at 17.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Matthews crime rates. Matthews registers a population density of 331.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Matthews, 63.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
| Item | Matthews | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| East Prairie, MO | 3,072 | 176 | 702 | 878 |
| Lilbourn, MO | 1,082 | 237 | 994 | 1,231 |
| New Madrid, MO | 2,946 | 466 | 1,747 | 2,213 |
| Charleston, MO | 5,691 | 810 | 1,552 | 2,361 |
| Miner, MO | 901 | 590 | 2,479 | 3,069 |
| Risco, MO | 267 | 592 | 2,486 | 3,078 |
| Bertrand, MO | 803 | 638 | 2,679 | 3,317 |
| Matthews, MO | 648 | 803 | 5,622 | 6,426 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Orosi, CA | 648 | 785 | 3,358 | 4,143 |
| Toomsboro, GA | 648 | 471 | 2,418 | 2,888 |
| Toomsuba, MS | 648 | 218 | 1,417 | 1,636 |
| Corder, MO | 648 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lime Springs, IA | 648 | 298 | 1,593 | 1,891 |
| Matthews, MO | 648 | 803 | 5,622 | 6,426 |