| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Potosi/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 149 | n/a (estimate) | 5,868 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 78.8 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 315.1 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 394 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 472.6 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 120 | n/a | 4,726.3 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 275.7 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 139 | n/a (estimate) | 5,475 | 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 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.
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? 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.
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.
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.
| Item | Potosi | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.4 | 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 |
| Terre du Lac, MO | 2,451 | 168 | 707 | 875 |
| Bonne Terre, MO | 7,250 | 234 | 780 | 1,014 |
| Bismarck, MO | 1,797 | 221 | 929 | 1,150 |
| Leadwood, MO | 1,639 | 240 | 1,007 | 1,246 |
| Park Hills, MO | 8,743 | 148 | 2,065 | 2,213 |
| Desloge, MO | 5,079 | 123 | 3,174 | 3,297 |
| Caledonia, MO | 196 | 671 | 2,821 | 3,492 |
| Potosi, MO | 2,634 | 394 | 5,475 | 5,868 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oakwood Hills, IL | 2,634 | 83 | 492 | 575 |
| Lake City, AR | 2,634 | 147 | 843 | 989 |
| Mount Vernon, GA | 2,634 | 176 | 903 | 1,078 |
| West Newton, PA | 2,633 | 155 | 657 | 812 |
| Oliver, PA | 2,633 | 111 | 649 | 761 |
| Potosi, MO | 2,634 | 394 | 5,475 | 5,868 |