McDonald County Crime & Safety

McDonald County, Missouri

Safety Score

27/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1783.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

697.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1086.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

27/100

Higher = safer

State avg 44/100

State Safety Rank

#83

of 115 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in McDonald County, Missouri

McDonald County safety is near national norms

McDonald County reports a total crime rate of 1,783.5 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.2.

Aligning closely with Missouri averages

The county's safety score of 97.2 is just slightly above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,783.5 is also lower than the state average of 1,926.2.

Comparing local trends to state figures

Seven local agencies manage a crime rate that is about 7% lower than the Missouri state average. While generally safer than the state as a whole, certain crime categories show higher intensity than national levels.

High violent crime rate requires attention

The violent crime rate in McDonald County is 697.1 per 100,000, which is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is lower than national levels, standing at 1,086.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Staying safe in McDonald County

Because violent crime rates are elevated, personal safety awareness and home security are critical. Residents should focus on well-lit entryways and ensuring all household members are practiced in safety protocols.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in McDonald County, MO?

McDonald County has a total crime rate of 1783.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (697.1 per 100K) and property crimes (1086.4 per 100K).

Is McDonald County, MO safe?

McDonald County has a safety score of 27/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #83 out of 115 counties in Missouri for safety (1 = safest).

How does McDonald County crime compare to the Missouri average?

The county's safety score of 97.2 is just slightly above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,783.5 is also lower than the state average of 1,926.2.

What types of crime are most common in McDonald County?

How is crime data measured and reported for McDonald County?

Crime data for McDonald 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 McDonald County?

McDonald County has a safety score of 27/100, 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.