| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Steele/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 59 | n/a (estimate) | 3,510 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 59.5 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 178.5 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 238.0 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 476 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 475.9 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 40 | n/a | 2,379.5 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 178.5 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 51 | n/a (estimate) | 3,034 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

The Steele crime rates are 65.6% higher 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 Steele (476 per 100,000 people), which is 32.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 51 property crimes (3034 per 100,000 residents) which is 72.4% higher than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Steele registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
To determine if Steele is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Steele has a total crime rate that is 66% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.16 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.14 daily property crimes) in Steele.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Steele crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Steele has decreased by 24.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 42.9% and property crime has decreased by 20.3%.
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 Steele crime rates. In Steele, the poverty rate stands at 34.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Steele, the cost of living is 18% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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. Steele has a median home price of $167,653, 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 | Steele | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Gosnell, AR | 3,296 | 224 | 1,045 | 1,269 |
| Hayti, MO | 2,458 | 261 | 1,099 | 1,360 |
| Hornersville, MO | 542 | 616 | 2,588 | 3,203 |
| Holland, MO | 144 | 617 | 2,592 | 3,209 |
| Cooter, MO | 354 | 651 | 2,735 | 3,386 |
| Pascola, MO | 80 | 731 | 3,069 | 3,800 |
| Hayti Heights, MO | 369 | 747 | 3,137 | 3,883 |
| Steele, MO | 2,048 | 476 | 3,034 | 3,510 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Allegany, NY | 2,048 | 175 | 794 | 970 |
| Jerome, IL | 2,049 | 0 | 920 | 920 |
| Hurstbourne Acres, KY | 2,049 | 0 | 1,548 | 1,548 |
| Hagerstown, IN | 2,047 | 124 | 546 | 670 |
| Bethel, NC | 2,049 | 173 | 904 | 1,077 |
| Steele, MO | 2,048 | 476 | 3,034 | 3,510 |