Buchanan County Crime & Safety

Buchanan County, Missouri

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

4553.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

667.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

3886.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

State avg 44/100

State Safety Rank

#111

of 115 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Buchanan County, Missouri

Buchanan County Challenges National Averages

Buchanan County reports a total crime rate of 4553.8 per 100,000, nearly doubling the national average of 2,385.5. This elevated activity gives the county a safety score of 92.8, indicating significant public safety concerns.

High Crime Relative to Missouri Norms

The county's total crime rate of 4553.8 is more than double the Missouri state average of 1926.2. Its safety score of 92.8 ranks it well below the state's average safety benchmark of 97.0.

A Sharp Contrast to Caldwell County

Buchanan County sees significantly more crime than neighboring Caldwell County, which has a remarkably low rate of 416.9. The urban density of St. Joseph contributes to a much more active crime landscape than surrounding rural areas.

Elevated Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime stands at 667.1, far exceeding the national 369.8 average. Property crime is even more prevalent at 3886.7, creating a frequent risk for local homeowners and businesses.

Essential Security for Urban Residents

With property crime nearly double the national average, professional monitoring and reinforced locks are highly recommended. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity help mitigate these frequent risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Buchanan County, MO?

Buchanan County has a total crime rate of 4553.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (667.1 per 100K) and property crimes (3886.7 per 100K).

Is Buchanan County, MO safe?

Buchanan County has a safety score of 2/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #111 out of 115 counties in Missouri for safety (1 = safest).

How does Buchanan County crime compare to the Missouri average?

The county's total crime rate of 4553.8 is more than double the Missouri state average of 1926.2. Its safety score of 92.8 ranks it well below the state's average safety benchmark of 97.0.

What types of crime are most common in Buchanan County?

Violent crime stands at 667.1, far exceeding the national 369.8 average. Property crime is even more prevalent at 3886.7, creating a frequent risk for local homeowners and businesses.

How is crime data measured and reported for Buchanan County?

Crime data for Buchanan County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Buchanan County?

Buchanan County has a safety score of 2/100, which is below the Missouri average of 44/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.