A+
88%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
90%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePoplar Bluff/100k peopleMissouri/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime40n/a (estimate)2482,4032,119
Murder2n/a12.47.85.0
Rape2n/a12.445.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.051.560.6
Assault2n/a12.4357.5256.1
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)37462359
Burglary5n/a31.0236.3229.2
Theft24n/a149.01,306.51,272.1
Vehicle theft5n/a31.0398.4258.8
Property crime34n/a (estimate)2111,9411,760

Poplar Bluff crime map

Get this widget

The Poplar Bluff crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Poplar Bluff as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Poplar Bluff crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Poplar Bluff crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Poplar Bluff, MO

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 Locals Say About Crime in Poplar Bluff?

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.

Is Poplar Bluff a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Poplar Bluff Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Poplar Bluff

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.

Compare Poplar Bluff, MO Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Poplar Bluff crime rates are 88% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Poplar Bluff are 90% lower than the national average
      • In Poplar Bluff you have a 1 in 403 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Poplar Bluff is safer than 90% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Poplar Bluff has decreased by 92%

      Poplar Bluff, MO Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Poplar Bluff

        See all the best places to live around Poplar Bluff
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Poplar Bluff?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Poplar Bluff?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Poplar Bluff poll results

        Daily Crime In Poplar Bluff (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Poplar Bluff on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Missouri and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Poplar Bluff (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Missouri, are 9.68 times less than the state average and 8.53 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Poplar Bluff on a daily basis are 12.40 times less than than Missouri average and 9.64 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Poplar Bluff are 9.20 times less than the daily state average and 8.34 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Poplar Bluff (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Poplar Bluff to every other city in Missouri, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Poplar Bluff safe? The gauges above illustrate that Poplar Bluff is safer than 88% of every city located within Missouri along with 90% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Missouri and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Poplar Bluff, MO is ranked above average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Poplar Bluff

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Poplar Bluff is 1 in 2685
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Poplar Bluff is 1 in 474
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Poplar Bluff is 1 in 403
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Poplar Bluff, Missouri? If you reside in Poplar Bluff, then there is a 1 in 2685 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 474. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 403 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Poplar Bluff.

        Year Over Year Crime In Poplar Bluff (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Poplar Bluff is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Poplar Bluff has decreased by 94%, while the property crime rate in Poplar Bluff has decreased by 92% year over year. The number of total crimes in Poplar Bluff has decreased by 92% year over year.

        Poplar Bluff police department

        Item Poplar Bluff Missouri National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)5812,115558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.43.73.3
        There are a total of 58 Poplar Bluff police officers. This results in 3.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 9.4% less than the Missouri average and 3.9% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Missouri

        State Total offenders Missouri /100K National /100K
        Missouri19,657344266
        There are a total of 19,657 sex offenders in Missouri. This yields a total of 344 sex offenders in Missouri per 100,000 residents which is 29% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Puxico, MO1,1772239381,162
        Fairdealing, MO4704731,9872,460
        Fisk, MO5784882,0502,538
        Williamsville, MO3466752,8363,511
        Qulin, MO9656772,8463,524
        Naylor, MO7536792,8513,530
        Neelyville, MO2927223,0343,756
        Poplar Bluff, MO17,57037211248

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wayne, MI17,5666931,3021,995
        Springfield, TN17,5763909171,308
        East Cleveland, OH17,5631,4102,9994,409
        Islip, NY17,5592401,0851,325
        South Ogden, UT17,5911479471,094
        Poplar Bluff, MO17,57037211248
        Source: The Poplar Bluff, MO crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.