| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Poplar Bluff/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 248 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 12.4 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 12.4 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 12.4 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 37 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 31.0 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 24 | n/a | 149.0 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 31.0 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 34 | n/a (estimate) | 211 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Poplar Bluff is 88.3% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Poplar Bluff, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 37 per 100,000 individuals, 89.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 34 property crimes, amounting to 211 per 100,000 residents, 88% lower than the U.S. average.
Boasting a crime rate of 248, well below the national average of 2119, Poplar Bluff emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Poplar Bluff to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Poplar Bluff shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 37 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Poplar Bluff an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Poplar Bluff is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Poplar Bluff, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Poplar Bluff being a very dangerous place to live.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Poplar Bluff, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 211, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
What do the local residents think about crime in Poplar Bluff? Well, based on a recent survey of 35 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 51% of Poplar Bluff residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 49% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff crime rate is 88% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.11 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Poplar Bluff. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Poplar Bluff has decreased by 96.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 92.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 96.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Poplar Bluff has a population density of 1337.2 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Poplar Bluff crime rates.
In Poplar Bluff, 75.4% 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.
Poplar Bluff has an average rental rate of $972 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Poplar Bluff | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 58 | 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 |
| Puxico, MO | 1,177 | 223 | 938 | 1,162 |
| Fairdealing, MO | 470 | 473 | 1,987 | 2,460 |
| Fisk, MO | 578 | 488 | 2,050 | 2,538 |
| Williamsville, MO | 346 | 675 | 2,836 | 3,511 |
| Qulin, MO | 965 | 677 | 2,846 | 3,524 |
| Naylor, MO | 753 | 679 | 2,851 | 3,530 |
| Neelyville, MO | 292 | 722 | 3,034 | 3,756 |
| Poplar Bluff, MO | 17,570 | 37 | 211 | 248 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wayne, MI | 17,566 | 693 | 1,302 | 1,995 |
| Springfield, TN | 17,576 | 390 | 917 | 1,308 |
| East Cleveland, OH | 17,563 | 1,410 | 2,999 | 4,409 |
| Islip, NY | 17,559 | 240 | 1,085 | 1,325 |
| South Ogden, UT | 17,591 | 147 | 947 | 1,094 |
| Poplar Bluff, MO | 17,570 | 37 | 211 | 248 |