| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portageville/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 1,180 | 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 | 8 | n/a | 294.9 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 295 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 184.3 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 18 | n/a | 663.5 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 36.9 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 885 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Portageville crime rates are 44.3% 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 8 violent crimes in Portageville (295 per 100,000 people), which is 17.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 24 property crimes (885 per 100,000 residents) which is 49.7% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Portageville 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Portageville 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 Portageville crime rate is 44% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.09 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.07 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Portageville has decreased by 45.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Portageville, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 11.1%, while property crime has decreased by 52%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Portageville is a safe place to live.
Portageville has a poverty rate of 21.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Portageville, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 4.37 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Portageville has a median home price of $182,800, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Portageville | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.4 | 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 |
| Lilbourn, MO | 1,082 | 237 | 994 | 1,231 |
| Ridgely, TN | 1,926 | 279 | 956 | 1,235 |
| Clarkton, MO | 1,146 | 254 | 1,069 | 1,324 |
| Hayti, MO | 2,458 | 261 | 1,099 | 1,360 |
| Tiptonville, TN | 4,306 | 152 | 1,433 | 1,586 |
| New Madrid, MO | 2,946 | 466 | 1,747 | 2,213 |
| Malden, MO | 4,236 | 577 | 1,701 | 2,278 |
| Portageville, MO | 3,058 | 295 | 885 | 1,180 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Delton, WI | 3,058 | 124 | 514 | 638 |
| Perkins, OK | 3,059 | 152 | 882 | 1,034 |
| Whetstone, AZ | 3,057 | 176 | 746 | 921 |
| Stallion Springs, CA | 3,056 | 228 | 342 | 571 |
| Gloucester Courthouse, VA | 3,060 | 88 | 630 | 718 |
| Portageville, MO | 3,058 | 295 | 885 | 1,180 |