| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Scott City/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 48 | n/a (estimate) | 1,103 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 23.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 23.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 252.9 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 299 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 46.0 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 29 | n/a | 666.7 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 92.0 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 805 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Scott City crime rates are 47.9% 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 13 violent crimes in Scott City (299 per 100,000 people), which is 16.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 35 property crimes (805 per 100,000 residents) which is 54.3% lower than average.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Scott City ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Scott City, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 23 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Is Scott City 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, Scott City has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 48%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.13 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.1 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Scott City as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Scott City. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Scott City has decreased by 37.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 550%, while property crime has decreased by 53.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Scott City.
Scott City has a poverty rate that stands at 28.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Scott City crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Scott City crime rates. For instance, in Scott City, the population density stands at 976.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Scott City has an average rental rate of $1,061 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 | Scott City | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Oran, MO | 1,323 | 211 | 885 | 1,095 |
| Jackson, MO | 15,346 | 82 | 1,035 | 1,117 |
| Chaffee, MO | 2,998 | 216 | 907 | 1,122 |
| Benton, MO | 904 | 285 | 1,199 | 1,485 |
| Gordonville, MO | 487 | 376 | 1,579 | 1,954 |
| Kelso, MO | 592 | 382 | 1,603 | 1,985 |
| Dutchtown, MO | 113 | 475 | 1,997 | 2,472 |
| Scott City, MO | 4,716 | 299 | 805 | 1,103 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oak Hill, TN | 4,717 | 154 | 528 | 682 |
| Creedmoor, NC | 4,714 | 316 | 1,599 | 1,915 |
| Three Points, AZ | 4,718 | 353 | 1,500 | 1,853 |
| Ridge Manor, FL | 4,719 | 203 | 1,080 | 1,284 |
| Marseilles, IL | 4,712 | 189 | 294 | 483 |
| Scott City, MO | 4,716 | 299 | 805 | 1,103 |