Most dangerous cities in Missouri research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Missouri.
We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 127 Missouri cities. Here are the results of our analysis:
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The most dangerous city in Missouri is Berkeley based on the most recent FBI crime data.
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The violent crime rate in Missouri is 2,534 per 100k people.
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The property crime rate in Missouri is 6,474 per 100k people.
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The safest city in Missouri is Cottleville.
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Missouri is the 12th most dangerous state in the United States.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References
It seems there’s more to worry about than angry St. Louis Cardinal fans and trucks with loaded gun racks in Missouri.
There are also dangerous places.
If you’re currently living in, or looking to relocate to, Missouri, you should take a look at the most dangerous places in the Cave State for 2025 before you make any major life decisions.
To determine the most dangerous places in Missouri, we used Saturday Night Science to compare the FBI’s latest crime report for violent and property crime statistics for the 127 cities with over 5,000 residents.
Continue reading to learn more about dangerous cities in the Show Me State.
The Most Dangerous Cities In Missouri For 2025
- Berkeley
- Vinita Park
- St. Louis
- Kansas City
- North Kansas City
- Maplewood
- Springfield
- Bridgeton
- Caruthersville
- Sikeston
What’s the most dangerous city in Missouri? The most dangerous city in Missouri is Berkeley.
The state’s violent and property crime is above the national average and still climbing. These numbers continue to claim many of Missouri’s biggest cities, including Kansas City and Springfield that can’t catch a break.
For more Missouri reading, check out:
- Most dangerous cities in the US
- Best Places To Live In Missouri
- Cheapest Places To Live In Missouri
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Missouri
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Missouri For 2025
/10
Population: 7,970
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,534 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,474 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 8
More on Berkeley: Data
You certainly won’t find Berkeley on our list of the best St. Louis suburbs and crime is a big reason why.
Berkeley hasplenty of parks, but we wouldn’t recommend visiting them alone or after dark, considering the crime.
Berkeley averaged just under two violent crimes per week and more than one property crime per day in 2024, but the really crazy thing here is the prevalence of car theft. Berkeley’s population is just 7,970, but 184 of those people had their cars robbed in 2024.
2. Vinita Park
/10
Population: 8,727
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,718 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,270 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 6
More on Vinita Park:
Located just outside of St. Louis, Vinita Park ranks as Missouri’s second least safe city. Don’t let Vinita Park’s small size fool you — having 6 murders in 2024 means that the city actually had the second highest murder rate in the state.
Overall, residents had a 1 in 58 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in 2024. We don’t envy the workload of the Vinita Park Police Department.
Not only do they have to contend with such high rates of violence, but also Vinita Park’s crazy high burglary rate, which ranked as the third highest in Missouri.
/10
Population: 277,294
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,367 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,706 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 150
More on St. Louis: Data
Known as the home of the the Gateway Arch, St. Louis is also a gateway to high crime rates. St. Louis is Missouri’s fourth most violent city, recording 3,791 rapes, murders, robberies, and assaults over 2024.
St. Louis stands out by having the third highest murder rate in Missouri by a wide margin, recording one murder about every other day over the year.
Your car isn’t even safe in St. Louis, considering 4,090 people had their cars stolen in St. Louis in 2024. And that only represents a fraction of the 15,825 property crimes committed.
/10
Population: 511,535
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,547 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,676 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 141
More on Kansas City: Data
Kansas City is used to winning by now, between the Chiefs and the Royals. But getting used to high rates of crime is another matter.
Missouri’s biggest city had the sixth highest murder rate in 2024, recording about three per week on average. Overall, residents had a 1 in 64 chance of being the victim of a violent attack over the year.
On the flip-side, the property crime rate in Kansas City is the lowest on this list. And, being a big place, if you stick to Kansas City’s safest neighborhoods, you should be fine.
5. North Kansas City
/10
Population: 5,920
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 709 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 7,516 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on North Kansas City:
Located in Clay County, Missouri, North Kansas City is ranked as the fifth most dangerous place to live in the state for 2025. With a population of around 5,920, this independent municipality within the Kansas City metropolitan area faces significant safety challenges. The crime statistics paint a concerning picture.
While North Kansas City’s crime rates are alarming, it is important to note that the city has the potential for improvement with dedicated efforts. Being part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area provides an opportunity for collaboration and sharing of resources to combat crime effectively. With a collective effort from local authorities and community members, North Kansas City can work towards creating a safer environment for its residents.
/10
Population: 7,971
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 652 (16th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,799 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Maplewood: Data
/10
Population: 170,527
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,178 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,184 (14th most dangerous)
Murders: 10
More on Springfield: Data
Missouri’s third-biggest city, Springfield, ranks as the seventh most dangerous place to call home in the state. While Springfield didn’t rank #1 in violent or property crime per capita, sixth highest and 14th highest place rankings for violent and property crime land it at the top of this list.
Springfield had the tenth highest rate of rape cases in Missouri for 2024. On top of that, Springfield had the fifth highest burglary rate in Missouri, so it’s a good idea to lock your doors here.
Overall, residents had a 1 in 23 chance of being the victim of a property crime over 2024, so you’ll want to watch your wallets and purses when you’re strolling around Nathanial Greene/Close Memorial Park.
/10
Population: 11,206
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 651 (17th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,755 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Bridgeton: Data
Located on the outskirts of St. Louis, Bridgeton consistently housed fewer than 200 residents in the decades before 1950. Then — boom! — a massive expansion during the following decades.
By 1970, almost 20,000 people lived in a bustling suburb on the northwest edge of St. Louis’ urban sprawl. Unfortunately, it’s been a slow downward trajectory from that peak. Nowadays, the town has 11,206 people and a reputation as the number 8 most dangerous cities in Missouri.
A high rate of theft contributes to this ranking. Overall, 645 property crimes took place over a year.
/10
Population: 5,129
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,228 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,665 (21st most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Caruthersville: Data
We turn to the Bootheel Region of Missouri’s southeastern corner to reach its ninth most dangerous city for 2025, Caruthersville.
Overall, property crime in Caruthersville is lower than most places on this list. However, the city did have the fourth highest burglary rate in Missouri, with 39 cases recorded in 2024 — absurdly high for a city of just 5,129.
Caruthersville also had Missouri’s fifth highest violent crime rate, with about one aggravated assault per week on average in 2024. So don’t try any fancy card-counting tactics at Century Casino, or you might end up one of these assault victims.
/10
Population: 16,026
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,029 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,625 (22nd most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Sikeston: Data
Crime By City In Missouri
| Rank | City | Population | Total Crimes Per 100K | Violent Crimes Per 100K | Property Crimes Per 100K | Murders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley | 7,970 | 9,008 | 2,534 | 6,474 | 8 |
| 2 | Vinita Park | 8,727 | 6,989 | 1,718 | 5,270 | 6 |
| 3 | St. Louis | 277,294 | 7,074 | 1,367 | 5,706 | 150 |
| 4 | Kansas City | 511,535 | 6,223 | 1,547 | 4,676 | 141 |
| 5 | North Kansas City | 5,920 | 8,226 | 709 | 7,516 | 0 |
| 6 | Maplewood | 7,971 | 7,452 | 652 | 6,799 | 0 |
| 7 | Springfield | 170,527 | 5,362 | 1,178 | 4,184 | 10 |
| 8 | Bridgeton | 11,206 | 6,407 | 651 | 5,755 | 1 |
| 9 | Caruthersville | 5,129 | 4,893 | 1,228 | 3,665 | 1 |
| 10 | Sikeston | 16,026 | 4,654 | 1,029 | 3,625 | 0 |
| 11 | Raytown | 28,817 | 4,601 | 864 | 3,737 | 3 |
| 12 | Sullivan | 6,800 | 5,691 | 588 | 5,102 | 2 |
| 13 | St. Joseph | 70,139 | 4,579 | 728 | 3,850 | 3 |
| 14 | Grandview | 25,200 | 4,456 | 674 | 3,781 | 2 |
| 15 | Bellefontaine Neighbors | 10,263 | 3,692 | 945 | 2,747 | 2 |
| 16 | Branson | 12,982 | 6,493 | 477 | 6,016 | 0 |
| 17 | Nevada | 8,277 | 5,315 | 543 | 4,772 | 0 |
| 18 | Ferguson | 17,835 | 4,210 | 712 | 3,498 | 6 |
| 19 | Kennett | 9,996 | 4,551 | 570 | 3,981 | 1 |
| 20 | Joplin | 53,533 | 4,681 | 560 | 4,120 | 0 |
| 21 | Richmond Heights | 8,987 | 7,777 | 400 | 7,377 | 0 |
| 22 | Normandy | 8,593 | 3,374 | 779 | 2,595 | 2 |
| 23 | Independence | 120,271 | 4,094 | 571 | 3,523 | 11 |
| 24 | De Soto | 6,509 | 3,933 | 537 | 3,395 | 0 |
| 25 | Cape Girardeau | 40,753 | 3,079 | 623 | 2,456 | 3 |
| 26 | Sedalia | 22,201 | 3,180 | 545 | 2,635 | 2 |
| 27 | Clinton | 9,486 | 2,814 | 737 | 2,076 | 0 |
| 28 | Hazelwood | 24,678 | 3,010 | 490 | 2,520 | 3 |
| 29 | St. John | 6,405 | 2,560 | 608 | 1,951 | 0 |
| 30 | Overland | 15,358 | 2,708 | 527 | 2,181 | 3 |
| 31 | Rolla | 20,591 | 2,913 | 373 | 2,539 | 0 |
| 32 | Farmington | 18,574 | 3,074 | 323 | 2,751 | 0 |
| 33 | Union | 13,209 | 2,717 | 393 | 2,324 | 0 |
| 34 | Shrewsbury | 6,192 | 10,319 | 177 | 10,142 | 0 |
| 35 | Hannibal | 16,762 | 2,762 | 357 | 2,404 | 0 |
| 36 | Dexter | 7,856 | 3,105 | 292 | 2,813 | 0 |
| 37 | Harrisonville | 9,762 | 2,315 | 553 | 1,761 | 1 |
| 38 | Lebanon | 15,567 | 2,473 | 417 | 2,055 | 0 |
| 39 | Warrensburg | 19,785 | 2,936 | 313 | 2,623 | 1 |
| 40 | Kirksville | 17,472 | 2,352 | 417 | 1,934 | 1 |
| 41 | Columbia | 130,354 | 2,665 | 347 | 2,317 | 13 |
| 42 | Excelsior Springs | 10,621 | 2,721 | 329 | 2,391 | 0 |
| 43 | West Plains | 12,734 | 2,167 | 361 | 1,806 | 0 |
| 44 | Jefferson City | 42,561 | 2,373 | 333 | 2,039 | 0 |
| 45 | Cameron | 6,827 | 1,977 | 410 | 1,567 | 0 |
| 46 | Belton | 26,058 | 2,206 | 333 | 1,872 | 0 |
| 47 | Gladstone | 27,404 | 2,072 | 375 | 1,696 | 0 |
| 48 | Florissant | 50,695 | 2,173 | 341 | 1,832 | 2 |
| 49 | Blue Springs | 61,096 | 2,684 | 235 | 2,448 | 3 |
| 50 | Neosho | 13,581 | 2,415 | 272 | 2,142 | 0 |
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Missouri for 2025?
Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Missouri. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Missouri, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.
For our analysis, we focused on the 2024 data, specifically the 2024 Crime In The United States Report for Missouri.
So what criteria did we use? Have a look:
- Violent Crimes Per Capita
- Property Crimes Per Capita
In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Missouri cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 127 cities in Missouri.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 127 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Missouri — Berkeley. Any ties went to the smaller city.
This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Missouri and is updated for 2025.
Most Dangerous Places To Live In Missouri FAQs
Yes, Missouri is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #7 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Missouri ranks sixth most dangerous in the United States — 46.76% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Show Me State ranks ninth most dangerous in the United States — 29.5% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.
Yes, Kansas City is a dangerous city. Kansas City ranks as the #20 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Kansas City might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Blue Hills Estates is the safest in Kansas City, while South Blue Valley is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.
Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Kansas City ranks 12th highest in America — 167.63% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 26th highest in the United States — 72.81% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.
Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Missouri
Summary: Locking It All Up In Missouri
So what is the most dangerous city in Missouri? After analyzing 127 cities in Missouri, Berkeley takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Missouri based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2024.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Berkeley ranks as the most dangerous city in Missouri for 2025.
The most dangerous cities in Missouri are .
We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Berkeley and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.
What’s the most dangerous city in Missouri? The most dangerous city in Missouri is Berkeley.
The state’s violent and property crime is above the national average and still climbing. These numbers continue to claim many of Missouri’s biggest cities, including Kansas City and Springfield that can’t catch a break.
Learn more about the safest places in Missouri.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.
Here are the safest cities in Missouri:
- Holts Summit (Pop. 5,493)
- Nixa (Pop. 26,094)
- Greenwood (Pop. 6,156)
- Warrenton (Pop. 9,556)
- O’Fallon (Pop. 94,911)
- Ballwin (Pop. 30,171)
- Odessa (Pop. 5,648)
- Poplar Bluff (Pop. 16,108)
- Glendale (Pop. 6,011)
- Cottleville (Pop. 6,164)
For more Missouri reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Missouri
- Cheapest Places To Live In Missouri
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Missouri
- Safest Places In Missouri
- Worst Places To Live In Missouri
I hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but yes Branson is that bad. You just don’t hear about it because the city council won’t allow it in local papers or news.
Spend a couple of days at court in Branson or better yet, sit in with Judge Williams over at Taney county where Branson sends most of it’s cases.
Meth is out of control in the area. Branson, Hollister, Forsythe, all of the little towns around the area, riddled with drugs and thieves. Merriam woods is just as bad but it’s not big enough to warrant FBI attention so it appears safer than it is.
I used to live in Branson. I saw what is hidden from tourists and trust me, the things I saw would kill that town if the media ever ran with the story. Unfortunately, the media is bought and paid for, so the youth suffer as poverty and addiction tear that community to pieces.
People have been leaving Bridgeton in droves because the airport bought several entire subdivisions for the runway extension several years ago. I feel VERY safe here. Most crime is committed (such as theft) by persons not living in Bridgeton.
Sorry, but this whole thing is flawed. “Dangerous” means, for most of us, a greater than average chance for physical harm. The stats for property crimes, by definition, exclude danger to people. Toss that part away, and then make a list.
St. Louis we are bless from. Our history. Beautiful. City this is our home and land that we grew up on . St.Louis will stand . I love. My. Home. And. We are not. Going to let bad people. Destroy. Our native. Land and family .love the people St.louis
St Louis is not on the border of Arkansas, no where near it.
Exactly !!! You tell Em Sweetie
Something that this article doesn’t mention is HOW divided Springfield is. Yes, it is riddled with drugs and crime, but there are certain “areas” where you are more likely to be jumped. The North side of town is notorious for being the more dangerous sector, while the south side enjoys a rather peaceful lifestyle. On top of that, each highschool has its own identity. ie. Kickapoo High School is known for its better off (wealthy) inhabitants. Needless to say, Springfield is rather divided.
Downtown is actually not as dangerous as one might expect, and is actually rather pleasing.
STL is not on the Arkansas border
First I am gonna say something then posting this Publicly
How the hellA are ya going to sit there and slander Sedalia when you couldn’t even successfully provide any pictures from/of/with in city limits of Sedalia Missouri? You dn maps should at least picture of Sedalia then it wouldn’t look like you were inconsiderately slenderizing our town but you have never been here !
First off (Sedalia) we don’t even have Wells Fargo Bank I don’t even think those exist in Missouri could even show one picture actual picture if and/or from @ Sedaliayep I guess you didn’t think anyone from SEDALIA WOULD SEE THIS⁉️ WELL I MAY TALK SLOW BUT I am Not “fuqtarded”! Even I would of been smart enough to at least go nlstated that wrong it’s not slander according to the to the definition that my Google Assistant showed me but it is according to the EFF website this does fall under a form of defamation towards Sedalia, MO!!!!
Now iM posting this Publicly
I think you gave St.Louis Branson’s description they’re totally different cities
Farmington and the surrounding towns in St. Francois county have become a haven for drug dealers and drug addicts. Their crime of choice besides selling and using drugs is home invasions and break ins. They steal anything to pay for their habit. When you are robbed the sheriff does nothing about it and does not even care. By some miracle that a druggie is caught in the act they are out without bail in 24 hours to continue their crime spree. Judges who I might add live in gated communities and large estates with security and large fences let the criminals out on purpose and laugh at the victims behind their backs. The only way they make these thugs pay bail is if they murder someone. The Missouri state supreme court created this catch and release idea to cause havoc and misery to the few decent citizens in Missouri. They are liberal devil worshipers serving satan and doing his bidding. Evil has taken over the justice system in Missouri.