Study: Safest Cities in Missouri 2016

Missouri's cities and towns are beautiful and charming. But that's not all. Some are incredibly safe. Here are the 50 safest cities in the Show Me State.

Safest Cities in Missouri 2016 © CreditDonkey

CreditDonkey has taken on the job of highlighting which of Missouri's cities have the lowest crime, so stay tuned to find out which ones made the cut.

On a national scale, Missouri's violent and property crime rates are on par with the average figures reported across all 50 states. While St. Louis is often regarded as being a high crime area, we found that a number of its suburbs are among the best of the best for safety.

If you live in Missouri or you think a move here may be in the cards, our study is one you don't want to miss. Take a look at which cities have earned the right to be called the state's safest places to settle down.

Study Methodology

The FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2014 was the primary source of our data. Our analysis was based on both violent and property crime report data for Missouri cities with a population of 5,000 or higher.

Violent crime is defined as:

• Murder
  
• Rape
  
• Robbery
  
• Aggravated assault

Property crime includes:

• Burglary
  
• Larceny
  
• Motor vehicle theft
  
• Arson

We studied the number of violent and property crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, as well as the number of robberies and burglaries per 1,000 inhabitants. We decided to put robbery and burglary in the spotlight because they tend to occur more often and are likely to be of greater concern to residents.

Using those four criteria, we assigned each of Missouri's cities a CreditDonkey safety score. We then narrowed our rankings down to the 50 cities that had the lowest, and therefore best, safety scores overall. They're ranked here, starting with the city that had the best safety rating.

Safest Cities 2016: Rankings

1. Bonne Terre

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 4.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 1.5

"Good Earth, Good People" is Bonne Terre's motto, and it's a reflection of what makes it an excellent place to live. It easily earned the distinction of being Missouri's safest city, with six violent crimes and the lowest property crime rate of any location in our rankings.

2. Ballwin

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 6.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 1.9

More than 30,000 people make their home in Ballwin, but the city's population growth hasn't led to a higher crime rate. Ballwin's police department is instrumental in keeping crime low through neighborhood watch programs as well as Secure the Call, an effort to collect old cell phones for domestic violence victims.

3. Greenwood

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 6.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.2

The Greenwood Police Department is committed to preventing, reducing, and solving crime to enhance residents' quality of life. Their efforts paid off in 2014, with the violent crime count limited to eight and the number of property crimes totaling 33.

4. Glendale

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 8.6
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.4

The citizens of Glendale place a high value on family, friends, and fun, and they don't let crime damper their day. Initiatives like the annual Glendale Night Out and the ride-along program keep law enforcement and residents connected in a positive way.

5. Ellisville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 8.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.8

Ellisville was previously named one of the best places to live in America by Money magazine, and its sterling reputation for safety is part of the reason why. There were no robberies reported in 2014 and only a dozen burglaries, which is reassuring if you spend a lot of time worrying about security.

6. Town and Country

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 10.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.9

Town and Country is an affluent suburb of St. Louis and a safe haven for families, retirees, and professionals alike. Nearly 11,000 people live in this city, and the local police department does an excellent job of protecting life, limb, and property.

7. Smithville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.9

The city of Smithville is an idyllic setting for raising a family thanks to the sense of safety that permeates daily life. It easily made it into our top 10, with six violent crimes (none of which were robberies) and 86 property crimes reported in 2014.

8. Savannah

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.1

Savannah embodies small-town living at its best, and the 5,100 people who live here sleep well at night knowing that crime isn't a regular occurrence. The city's police department provides 24/7 protection, and officers are equipped with the latest technology to aid them in heading off criminal activity.

9. Webster Groves

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.5

Over 23,000 people live in Webster Groves, another bustling suburb of St. Louis. One of this vibrant community's biggest selling points is its many affordable, well-maintained neighborhoods, which offer a safe place to come home to at the end of the day.

10. Shrewsbury

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 11.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.7

The people of Shrewsbury trust in their police department to act as a barrier between themselves and crime. In 2014, a mere four violent crimes were reported, along with 73 property crimes, which shows officers are taking their role seriously.

11. O'Fallon

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.7

The city of O'Fallon blends tradition with vision, and part of that vision includes a low crime rate. O'Fallon's police department helps to facilitate this through the Citizens Police Academy, Safety Town, and the Explorers programs, all of which encourage citizen-officer interaction.

12. Kearney

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.8

Kearney is a small but growing city of around 9,100 people, and it's most famous for being the birthplace of outlaw Jesse James. Fortunately, current residents are more mindful of observing the rule of law than their most famous citizen was, which is reflected by Kearney's 12th place ranking in our study.

13. Pleasant Hill

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.1

"Away from it all and close to everything" is Pleasant Hill's slogan, and this charming town isn't the kind of place you want to stray far from. We salute the city's police force for continuing to rein in crime so that life here remains as pleasant as possible.

14. Creve Coeur

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.6
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 13.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.1

Creve Coeur is the heart of community and commerce in west St. Louis County, with a booming economy that is one of the reasons it's so attractive to new residents. The lack of crime is also tempting, and the Creve Coeur Police Department deserves recognition for the hard work officers put into keeping the city secure.

15. Chesterfield

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.3
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.2

Approximately 47,000 people call Chesterfield home, and it's one of the St. Louis area's more active suburbs. A number of safety-minded residents are involved in the police department's various community programs, such as Volunteers in Police Service and the Citizens Police Academy.

16. Ladue

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 14.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.3

The city of Ladue is a near picture-perfect place to call home if you're looking for tree-lined streets, a quaint business district, and neighborhoods that rank highly on the safety scale. Two robberies and two aggravated assaults constituted the entire violent crime rate for 2014, and there were a low 20 burglaries.

17. Manchester

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.3

Manchester offers a small-town vibe with convenient access to the St. Louis metro area, which is great for commuters and families. The city's police department goes above and beyond to preserve the low-key, low-crime lifestyle residents have become accustomed to.

18. Wentzville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4

Wentzville is a dynamic city of friendly people that blends a small-town feel with suburban amenities. It's well-deserving of a spot in the top 20, and we salute the Wentzville Police Department for its contribution to the safe, serene atmosphere that surrounds the city.

19. Eureka

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 16.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.5

A proud past and a promising future are what the city of Eureka has to offer its current residents and newcomers who arrive in search of a safe destination to put down roots. The city's police department handled one robbery report and eight burglary reports in 2014, which is just one number higher than the entire violent crime rate for the year.

20. Willard

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.6
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.5

Willard is part of the Springfield metropolitan area, and it's a nice getaway from the faster pace of the bigger city. To keep Willard safe, the police department relies on the community as whole to get on board with helping to detect and prevent crime before it happens.

21. Nixa

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7

A suburb of Springfield, the city of Nixa is quite a bit larger than Willard but just as safe. There were 24 violent crimes and 318 property crimes reported among the city's 20,500 residents in 2014, with only three robberies and 38 burglaries.

22. Grain Valley

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7

Historically, Grain Valley served as a major grain producing region for western Missouri, but today it's better known as a fast-growing suburb of Kansas City. Fortunately, the Grain Valley Police Department is able to keep up with the pace, and officers manage to maintain a low crime level citywide.

23. Maryville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 14.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.8

Rather than a police department, Maryville has a public safety department that's charged with providing both police and fire services for the city. All members of the department are trained to double duty as police officers and firefighters, so they're equipped to handle virtually any emergency scenario.

24. Battlefield

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.0

Battlefield is just minutes from Springfield, providing a quiet, safe retreat from the Queen City of the Ozarks. The Battlefield Police Department fights crime by dividing the city into four districts, each of which has a district officer that citizens can reach out to with questions, concerns, or tips about crime in their area.

25. Crestwood

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 19.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1

Crestwood calls itself a "Community of a Lifetime," and it's a good place to live whether you're just starting out or looking for a peaceful spot to retire. On the crime front, Crestwood reported a meager three violent crimes for 2014, with one robbery and nine burglaries making it onto the books.

26. Kirkwood

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 17.6
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1

Between nationally recognized schools, a thriving business community, and an abundance of down-home charm, Kirkwood is the total package. The city's police department strives to make all residents feel safe and secure, whether they're at home, work, or just out and about.

27. Raymore

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 17.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1

Raymore is Missouri's garden spot, but you don't need a green thumb to appreciate all of its better qualities. Safety is an important element of what makes people clamor to live here, and the Raymore Police Department is prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

28. Parkville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 18.6
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1

Parkville has no shortage of welcoming people, but what it does lack is a profusion of crime. That's a good thing in the eyes of both residents and law enforcement, who pride themselves on keeping the city a safe sanctuary for citizens of all ages.

29. Cameron

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.3

The city of Cameron spans two Missouri counties, and it's dubbed the "Crossroads of the Nation." The Cameron Police Department does a superb job of reducing crime; the number of crime reports decreased by 8% from 2013 to 2014. Burglaries dropped by an astonishing 33% over that same period.

30. Jackson

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 16.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.3

The Jackson Police Department's approach to law enforcement is service oriented and beyond the basics. Its members offer community outreach through bicycle patrol, safety education, and assistance with neighborhood watch programs. All of those things contribute to Jackson's stellar safety rating.

31. Waynesville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 16.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5

Located in the central Ozark region, Waynesville is something of a tourist attraction because of its location along Route 66. Aside from the local sites, one of the things visitors marvel at is how safe the city streets are, which is an indication of how well the Waynesville Police Department does its job.

32. Clayton

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 16.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.6

Clayton, or Claymo if you're a local, is a city of almost 16,000 people, and new faces are adding to that number all the time. Its proximity to St. Louis brings in professionals who prefer a short commute, but it's got a well-defined business district of its own, adding to its appeal.

33. Lake St. Louis

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.3
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.7

Lake St. Louis is a suburb of St. Louis and as a planned community, it comes with plenty of built-in perks, such as shopping, parks, and golf courses. Living here is like being on vacation every day, and the Lake St. Louis Police Department is dedicated to making your experience as safe as possible.

34. Lee's Summit

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 19.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.7

With a population that's closing in on 94,000 residents, Lee's Summit is the largest city in our rankings and one of the largest in the state. Despite its size, it's also one of Missouri's safest cities. Local law enforcement earns our kudos for the unflagging commitment to keeping it that way.

35. Maryland Heights

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 18.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

Maryland Heights boasts a highly organized police department, with special divisions for support services, criminal investigations, communications, and a community response team that's focused on identifying threats to individuals and businesses. They all work cooperatively to resolve any crime-related issues that occur.

36. Pevely

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 19.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

The city of Pevely has a colorful past and a bright future, both of which work in its favor to raise its popularity among residents. It's also notable for being one of a handful of cities in our rankings to report zero robberies for 2014. Burglaries were also rare, with 11 reported in all.

37. Florissant

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.6
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 17.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

Among the many suburban offshoots of St. Louis, Florissant is one of the largest, with close to 53,000 residents. The Florissant Police Department oversees the safety of each and every one of them, and officers are always willing to stop by your home or business to perform a thorough security check.

38. St. Peters

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.6
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

St. Peters sits just to the west of Florissant and like its neighbor, it's also one of the larger cities located in the area surrounding St. Louis. While that makes the police department's job of keeping crime down a little harder, it's a challenge officers here are well equipped to meet.

39. Perryville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 17.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.0

The slogan in Perryville is "Plant Your Family Here," and you'll want to do just that after witnessing how safe and inviting this community is. Perryville reported 26 violent crimes in 2014, which included no murders and two robberies. Burglaries made up a small percentage of property crimes, numbering 23 all told.

40. Liberty

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 18.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.0

Liberty residents are afforded numerous opportunities to get to know the law enforcement officers who act as a barrier between them and crime. The Volunteers in Police Service program, for example, allows citizens to support members of the Liberty Police Department as they go about the business of safeguarding the city.

41. Carl Junction

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 18.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.1

Carl Junction is a city that's growing with pride. One of the things residents can be proudest of is the diligence that local law enforcement shows in combatting crime. For 2014, the violent crime rate was composed of three aggravated assaults, which speaks to the effectiveness of the Carl Junction Police Department's crime fighting strategy.

42. Chillicothe

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 19.3
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.2

Its name is Shawnee for "Big Town," and Chillicothe certainly has a big heart, something that makes it ideal for raising a family. It garners high marks in the crime department. In 2014, there were no murders or robberies reported at all out of 21 violent crimes.

43. Republic

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.4

The Republic Police Department works tirelessly to promote law and order, and citizens are invited to do their part to offer support. The Citizens Police Academy, Police Explorers Program, and the civilian volunteer program are three of the ways locals can lend a hand.

44. Bowling Green

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.3

The grass is always greener in Bowling Green. The city's 5,500 residents enjoy a way of life that isn't overshadowed by a high crime rate. There were 10 violent crimes and 116 property crimes reported in 2014, with one robbery and 12 burglaries respectively.

45. St. Ann

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 18.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.5

St. Ann got its start as a defense housing town in the late 1940s, but it's become a permanent staple of the suburban St. Louis landscape over the last 60 or so years. Its best features include affordable housing, good schools, and a crime rate that's more than respectable.

46. Park Hills

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 22.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.6

The Park Hills Police Department serves the city in a number of ways, from regular traffic patrols to placing designated safety officers in local schools. The result is that crime remains low year over year, including 2014, especially where violent crime is concerned.

47. Oak Grove

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.7

Oak Grove is an all-American town with roots stretching back to the pre-Civil War era. It's undergone many changes over the years, but one thing remains constant - how safe and sound living here makes residents feel. No robberies and fewer than 15 violent crimes were reported in 2014.

48. Trenton

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 21.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.9

Good things come in small packages, and Trenton is no exception. That's particularly evident with regard to how safe the city is, as demonstrated by the crime numbers. Residents reported seven violent crimes in 2014, which included one robbery and 128 property crimes.

49. Sunset Hills

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 24.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.9

Sunset Hills is the place to be if staying active is a regular part of your routine. Residents can spend time walking the trails at Minnie Ha Ha Park, working out at the Sunset Hills Community Center, or strolling through the Laumeier Sculpture Park, all without fear of their safety being compromised.

50. Festus

• Violent crime per 1,000: 5.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.3

The final city on our list is a culturally diverse community with a population that's just shy of 12,000 residents. While the locals come from many different walks of life, they share a common thread: they can live confidently in a city well protected by the local police department.

Conclusion

We hope that you were able to spot your hometown on our list of Missouri's safest cities. To learn more about staying safe wherever you hang your hat, head here to read essential tips for home security.

The Top 50 Safest Cities in Missouri