| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mountain Grove/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 1,807 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 105.1 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 168.1 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 273 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 231.1 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 52 | n/a | 1,092.7 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 210.1 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 73 | n/a (estimate) | 1,534 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Mountain Grove crime rates are 14.7% 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 13 violent crimes in Mountain Grove (273 per 100,000 people), which is 23.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 73 property crimes (1534 per 100,000 residents) which is 12.9% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Mountain Grove 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.
Mountain Grove exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1534 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Mountain Grove maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Mountain Grove residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Mountain Grove 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, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Mountain Grove 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 Mountain Grove crime rate is 15% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.24 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.2 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 Mountain Grove 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 Mountain Grove has didn't change by 0% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 45.8% and property crime has didn't change by 17.7%.
Mountain Grove has a poverty rate that stands at 26.7, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Mountain Grove crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Mountain Grove, 72.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Mountain Grove, the cost of living is 21.44% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Mountain Grove | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Cabool, MO | 2,676 | 244 | 0 | 244 |
| Norwood, MO | 695 | 650 | 2,730 | 3,380 |
| Hartville, MO | 659 | 658 | 2,763 | 3,420 |
| Mountain Grove, MO | 4,813 | 273 | 1,534 | 1,807 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Middletown, MD | 4,813 | 159 | 777 | 936 |
| Dexter, MI | 4,813 | 113 | 358 | 471 |
| Lindstrom, MN | 4,811 | 142 | 889 | 1,031 |
| Farrell, PA | 4,811 | 1,308 | 1,235 | 2,543 |
| Pleasant Run, OH | 4,811 | 192 | 1,013 | 1,205 |
| Mountain Grove, MO | 4,813 | 273 | 1,534 | 1,807 |