| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Plains/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 276 | n/a (estimate) | 2,167 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 86.4 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 23.6 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 32 | n/a | 251.3 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 361 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 180.6 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 188 | n/a | 1,476.4 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 19 | n/a | 149.2 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 230 | n/a (estimate) | 1,806 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
The West Plains crime rates are 2.3% 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 46 violent crimes in West Plains (361 per 100,000 people), which is 0.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 230 property crimes (1806 per 100,000 residents) which is 2.6% higher than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in West Plains per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported West Plains crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
West Plains exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 361 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores West Plains as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
West Plains showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in West Plains is very similar to the national average. West Plains had a property crime rate of 1806, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of West Plains residents. Out of the respondents (24 in total), 42% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in West Plains were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 58% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether West Plains is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, West Plains has an overall crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.76 daily occurrences, comprising 0.13 violent crimes and 0.63 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of West Plains as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Plains has decreased by 49.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West Plains, 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 39.5%, while property crime has decreased by 51.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Plains is a safe place to live.
West Plains has a poverty rate that stands at 32.4, 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 West Plains 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.
In West Plains, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall West Plains crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In West Plains, 81.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
| Item | West Plains | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Koshkonong, MO | 157 | 625 | 2,628 | 3,253 |
| Pomona, MO | 362 | 747 | 3,137 | 3,883 |
| West Plains, MO | 12,673 | 361 | 1,806 | 2,167 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Woodward, OK | 12,677 | 283 | 1,417 | 1,701 |
| Beatrice, NE | 12,664 | 81 | 823 | 904 |
| Minneola, FL | 12,664 | 200 | 1,063 | 1,262 |
| St. Marys, PA | 12,663 | 258 | 1,503 | 1,761 |
| Palmer Town, MA | 12,662 | 375 | 574 | 949 |
| West Plains, MO | 12,673 | 361 | 1,806 | 2,167 |
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