Pettis County Crime & Safety

Pettis County, Missouri

Safety Score

20/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2080.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

315.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1765.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

20/100

Higher = safer

State avg 44/100

State Safety Rank

#91

of 115 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Pettis County, Missouri

Pettis County is Safer Than National Average

Pettis County reports a total crime rate of 2080.8 per 100,000 residents, outperforming the national rate of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.7 out of 100. This data, reported by two agencies, reflects a generally secure community compared to national trends.

Slightly Below the Missouri Safety Average

While Pettis County is safer than the national average, its safety score of 96.7 is slightly below the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its crime rate of 2080.8 is also just above the state average of 1926.2 per 100K. Local law enforcement continues to monitor these trends to align with state safety goals.

Comparing Safety Across Neighboring Counties

Pettis County has a higher crime rate than nearby Newton County, which reports 1912.9 per 100K. It is also significantly more active than the very low-crime Osage County. These numbers highlight Pettis as a busier hub with more frequent law enforcement activity.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime in Pettis is 315.8 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local statistics at 1765.0 per 100K. This means residents are much more likely to encounter theft or burglary than violent incidents.

Practical Tips for Pettis County Residents

Protecting against property crime is the best way to improve personal safety in Pettis County. Install motion-sensor lights around your property and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles. Strengthening your home's physical security can significantly reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Pettis County, MO?

Pettis County has a total crime rate of 2080.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (315.8 per 100K) and property crimes (1765.0 per 100K).

Is Pettis County, MO safe?

Pettis County has a safety score of 20/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #91 out of 115 counties in Missouri for safety (1 = safest).

How does Pettis County crime compare to the Missouri average?

What types of crime are most common in Pettis County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Pettis County?

Crime data for Pettis 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 Pettis County?

Pettis County has a safety score of 20/100, 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.