F
177%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
10%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
211%
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 peoplePotosi/100k peopleMissouri/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime149n/a (estimate)5,8682,4032,119
Murder0n/a0.07.85.0
Rape2n/a78.845.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.051.560.6
Assault8n/a315.1357.5256.1
Violent crime10n/a (estimate)394462359
Burglary12n/a472.6236.3229.2
Theft120n/a4,726.31,306.51,272.1
Vehicle theft7n/a275.7398.4258.8
Property crime139n/a (estimate)5,4751,9411,760

Potosi crime map

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The Potosi crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Potosi 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 Potosi crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Potosi 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.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Potosi, MO

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 Potosi crime rate is higher than the national average by 176.9%. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes in Potosi, equivalent to 394 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 9.7%. Furthermore, Potosi recorded 139 property crimes, amounting to 5475 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 211%.

Potosi has a crime rate of 5868 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 176.92%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Potosi. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Potosi is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Potosi reported 394 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.

During the most recently reported crime year, Potosi experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Potosi reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5475 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to property crime in Potosi, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Potosi?

AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Potosi to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 38% of people answered that there was very little crime in Potosi and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Potosi a Safe Place to Live?

Is Potosi a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Potosi has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 177%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.41 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.38 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Potosi as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Potosi Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Potosi has decreased by 45.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Potosi, 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 63%, while property crime has decreased by 43.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Potosi is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Potosi

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Potosi crime rates. In Potosi, the poverty rate stands at 24.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Potosi reports an unemployment rate of 3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Potosi crime rates.

In Potosi, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 0.38 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.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Potosi crime rates are 177% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Potosi are 10% higher than the national average
      • In Potosi you have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Potosi is safer than 9% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Potosi has decreased by 45%

      Potosi, MO Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Potosi (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Potosi (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Potosi

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Potosi is 1 in 254
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Potosi is 1 in 19
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Potosi is 1 in 18

        Year Over Year Crime In Potosi (per 100,000 people)

        Potosi police department

        Item Potosi Missouri National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)112,115558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents0.43.73.3
        There are a total of 1 Potosi police officers. This results in 0.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 89.9% less than the Missouri average and 88.4% less 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
        Terre du Lac, MO2,451168707875
        Bonne Terre, MO7,2502347801,014
        Bismarck, MO1,7972219291,150
        Leadwood, MO1,6392401,0071,246
        Park Hills, MO8,7431482,0652,213
        Desloge, MO5,0791233,1743,297
        Caledonia, MO1966712,8213,492
        Potosi, MO2,6343945,4755,868

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Oakwood Hills, IL2,63483492575
        Lake City, AR2,634147843989
        Mount Vernon, GA2,6341769031,078
        West Newton, PA2,633155657812
        Oliver, PA2,633111649761
        Potosi, MO2,6343945,4755,868
        Source: The Potosi, 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.