Three Missouri Cities Named Among Most Dangerous in America

Missouri boasts a wealth of attractions, from tranquil state parks and museums to caves, music festivals, and renowned barbeque. However, some areas face high crime rates, posing concerns for both residents and visitors. This article examines crime rates in three Missouri cities.

St. Louis

St. Louis is Missouri’s most dangerous city and ranks among the worst in the US, with a crime rate 234% above the national average. Despite its rich history and cultural sites like the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Art Museum, the city battles high levels of violent crime, including homicides and robberies.

Central St. Louis and the downtown area are particularly known for high crime rates, with the Gravois Park neighborhood experiencing a rate 323% higher than the national average.

Springfield

Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, offers beautiful parks and a vibrant cultural scene but also ranks as the second most dangerous city in the state. Some neighborhoods face high rates of property crimes such as burglary and theft.

In Springfield, a crime occurs every 45 minutes on average. Residents also face risks of violent crimes, including assault and murder.

Nevada

Nevada is another dangerous city in Missouri. While it may not be a typical destination, this small southeastern city, known for historical attractions like the Bushwhacker Museum, is one of the state’s most perilous places to live. The crime rate in Nevada, covering both violent and property crimes, is 204% higher than the national average.

Measures to Improve Safety in These Cities

To tackle safety concerns, various initiatives are being implemented across St. Louis, Springfield, and Nevada:

St. Louis

1. Community Safety Study: A study by the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the City University of New York Institute for State and Local Governance found that St. Louis County residents are concerned about safety issues beyond traditional justice system responses. The study emphasizes addressing root social factors like access to healthcare, education, and housing to enhance community safety.
2. Neighborhood Safety Programs: The City of St. Louis provides resources to start or enhance neighborhood safety programs, including Block Captain Programs, National Night Out, and Neighborhood Watch Organizations. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between residents, police, and other stakeholders to reduce crime and improve safety.
3. Safety Improvement Projects: St. Louis County is undertaking projects, including road construction and infrastructure enhancements, to improve safety and reduce accidents.

Springfield

1. Community Engagement: Efforts to improve public safety in Springfield focus on community engagement and addressing root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social inequality.
2. Neighborhood Safety Initiatives: Springfield has implemented neighborhood safety initiatives like the Block Captain Program, empowering residents to collaborate with police to reduce crime and improve safety.

Nevada

1. Engineering Safety Improvements: The Nevada Department of Transportation is implementing engineering safety improvements to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.
2. Neighborhood Safety Programs: Similar to St. Louis, Nevada offers resources to start or enhance neighborhood safety programs, including Block Captain Programs and National Night Out, to engage residents in crime prevention efforts.

These measures aim to address the complex social and economic factors contributing to crime and violence, ultimately striving for safer and more secure communities.

Conclusion

The inclusion of these three Missouri cities among the most dangerous places in America highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat crime and improve public safety. While the crime rates are alarming, it’s important to remember that most residents and visitors experience little to no crime.

By staying cautious and taking necessary precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of becoming crime victims. However, it is vital for local authorities and community leaders to collaborate on effective measures to combat crime and create safer environments for everyone.