| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Osage Beach/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 141 | n/a (estimate) | 2,871 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 20.4 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 61.1 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 183.3 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 265 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 81.4 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 117 | n/a | 2,382.4 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 142.5 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 128 | n/a (estimate) | 2,606 | 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 Osage Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 35.5%. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes in Osage Beach, equivalent to 265 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 26.3%. Furthermore, Osage Beach recorded 128 property crimes, amounting to 2606 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 48.1%.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Osage Beach has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Osage Beach, which is 20 murders per 100,000 people.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Osage Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 14 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 43% of Osage Beach 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, 57% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Osage Beach is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Osage Beach has a total crime rate that is 35% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.39 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.35 daily property crimes) in Osage Beach.
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 Osage Beach 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 Osage Beach has decreased by 10.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 44.4% and property crime has decreased by 13.5%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Osage Beach crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Osage Beach has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Osage Beach, the cost of living is 3.54% higher than the national average.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Osage Beach stands at $491,843, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Osage Beach | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 9.0 | 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 |
| Village of Four Seasons, MO | 2,160 | 92 | 385 | 476 |
| Lake Ozark, MO | 2,401 | 178 | 446 | 625 |
| Eldon, MO | 4,856 | 300 | 407 | 708 |
| Laurie, MO | 946 | 184 | 1,198 | 1,382 |
| Sunrise Beach, MO | 419 | 0 | 1,887 | 1,887 |
| Camdenton, MO | 4,210 | 220 | 2,691 | 2,911 |
| Linn Creek, MO | 308 | 573 | 2,406 | 2,978 |
| Osage Beach, MO | 5,033 | 265 | 2,606 | 2,871 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tara Hills, CA | 5,031 | 278 | 1,189 | 1,467 |
| Houlton, ME | 5,030 | 49 | 1,513 | 1,563 |
| Coarsegold, CA | 5,037 | 381 | 1,627 | 2,008 |
| Willits, CA | 5,038 | 167 | 458 | 625 |
| Manheim, PA | 5,028 | 281 | 1,145 | 1,426 |
| Osage Beach, MO | 5,033 | 265 | 2,606 | 2,871 |