| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waynesville/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 76 | n/a (estimate) | 1,391 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 164.7 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 274.6 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 439 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 36.6 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 38 | n/a | 695.6 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 219.7 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 952 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Waynesville is 34.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 24 violent crimes reported in Waynesville, equivalent to 439 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 22.3%. Additionally, Waynesville recorded 52 property crimes, amounting to 952 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 45.9%.
In the most recently reported crime year, Waynesville 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Waynesville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waynesville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% 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 Waynesville 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, Waynesville has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 34%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.21 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.14 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Waynesville as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waynesville has decreased by 30.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waynesville, 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 25%, while property crime has decreased by 33.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waynesville is a safe place to live.
In Waynesville, the poverty rate currently stands at 24.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Waynesville crime rates.
Waynesville has a population density of 850.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Waynesville crime rates.
In Waynesville, 87.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
| Item | Waynesville | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Crocker, MO | 932 | 219 | 0 | 219 |
| St. Robert, MO | 6,320 | 322 | 1,352 | 1,674 |
| Richland, MO | 2,455 | 403 | 1,670 | 2,073 |
| Dixon, MO | 1,030 | 580 | 2,437 | 3,017 |
| Waynesville, MO | 5,458 | 439 | 952 | 1,391 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hawkinsville, GA | 5,458 | 311 | 1,598 | 1,909 |
| Rincon Valley, AZ | 5,457 | 137 | 583 | 720 |
| Adel, GA | 5,459 | 344 | 1,765 | 2,109 |
| Sunset, UT | 5,456 | 376 | 1,146 | 1,522 |
| Briar, TX | 5,456 | 246 | 1,291 | 1,537 |
| Waynesville, MO | 5,458 | 439 | 952 | 1,391 |
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