Shelby County Crime & Safety

Shelby County, Missouri

Safety Score

74/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

628.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

132.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

495.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

74/100

Higher = safer

State avg 44/100

State Safety Rank

#22

of 115 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Shelby County, Missouri

Shelby County Boasts Exceptional Safety Scores

Shelby County earns an outstanding safety score of 99.0, far exceeding the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 628.2 per 100K people is roughly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Missouri Safety

With a crime rate significantly below the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K, Shelby remains one of the safest jurisdictions in Missouri. Two reporting agencies provide the comprehensive data that confirms the county's secure standing compared to its regional peers.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Norms

Shelby's total crime rate is a small fraction of the national baseline, indicating a peaceful local environment. Residents experience far fewer property crimes per 100K than the 2,015.7 incidents reported on average across the United States.

Rare Violent and Property Incidents

Property crime accounts for most local incidents at 495.9 per 100K, yet this remains vastly lower than the national average. Violent crime is also rare, occurring at just 132.3 per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally.

Maintaining Shelby's High Safety Standards

Even in a county with a 99.0 safety score, basic home security remains a smart preventative measure. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and locked windows help maintain the high level of safety Shelby residents currently enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Shelby County, MO?

Shelby County has a total crime rate of 628.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (132.3 per 100K) and property crimes (495.9 per 100K).

Is Shelby County, MO safe?

Shelby County has a safety score of 74/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #22 out of 115 counties in Missouri for safety (1 = safest).

How does Shelby County crime compare to the Missouri average?

What types of crime are most common in Shelby County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Shelby County?

Crime data for Shelby 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.

Why is Shelby County safer than the Missouri average?

Shelby County has a safety score of 74/100, which is above the Missouri average of 44/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.