Located in the midwestern United States, Missouri is home to just over 6 million residents. The state’s largest city is St. Louis and its capital is Jefferson City. Missouri has a varied geography and is known for being home to parts of the Ozark Mountains as well as the point of intersection of the three greatest rivers in the country, the Mississippi, the Ohio, and the Missouri Rivers. If you’d like to make The Show Me State your next home, we’re giving you the 50 safest cities in Missouri to help you choose wisely.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 443 for violent crime and 2,906 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.
Related: Check out our Missouri Public Records guide.
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#1 Town & Country
Located in St. Louis County, Town and Country is a city that is home to 10,800 residents. This affluent suburb of St. Louis is known as the home of Bellerive Country Club and Maryville University. Major companies headquartered here include Charter Communications and Energizer Holdings. Town and Country is the safest place to live in Missouri, with a violent crime rate of 27.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .08%.
#2 Chesterfield
Another city in St. Louis County, Chesterfield has a current population of 47,400 residents. Just 25 miles west of St. Louis, the city has several historic neighborhoods and his home to the headquarters of Reinsurance Group of America. Another safe choice, the violent crime rate in Chesterfield is 48.4, and residents have a 1.5% chance of being involved in a property crime here.
#3 Manchester
Also in St. Louis County, the city of Manchester is home to 18,000 residents. Named after the city in England, the community encompasses just 5 square miles and is served by the Parkway School District. Living in Manchester is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 49.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.8%.
#4 Ballwin
Located in St. Louis County, the town of Ballwin is home to 30,400 residents. The community encompasses 8.9 square miles and has repeatedly been included on Money Magazine’s list of 100 best places to live in America. The violent crime rate in Ballwin is 59.1, and residents here have a .07% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#5 Webster Groves
A city in St. Louis County, Webster Groves has a current population of 22,900 residents. Considered an affluent suburb of St. Louis, the community is home to Webster University and has been included on Family Circle’s list of best cities for families in America. The violent crime rate here is 91.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Webster Groves is just 1.1%.
#6 O’Fallon
Located in St. Charles County, the city of O’Fallon is home to 79,300 residents. The community is the site of Mastercard’s Global Technology and Operations Center and has been included on Money’s list of 100 best places to live. The violent crime rate in O’Fallon is 91.7, and residents here have a 1.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#7 Crestwood
A city in St. Louis County, Crestwood is home to 11,900 residents. Considered a suburb of St. Louis, the community encompasses just 3.6 square miles and is the site of several large parks and historic properties. The violent crime rate here is 92.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Crestwood is just 2.3%.
#8 Creve Coeur
Located in west St. Louis County, the city of Creve Coeur has a current population of 17,800 residents. The community is home to Missouri Baptist University as well as the world headquarters of both Monsanto Corporation and Isle of Capri Casinos. The violent crime rate in Creve Coeur is 95.2, and residents here have a 1.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#9 Raymore
A city in Cass County, Raymore is home to 19,200 residents. This fast-growing city in the western part of the state encompasses 17.7 square miles and is served by the Raymore-Peculiar School District. Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 98.2, and residents of Raymore have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#10 Webb City
Located in Jasper County, Webb City is home to 10,900 residents. Founded in 1876, the city has a long history in mining and later in the manufacturing of explosives. Its downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate in Webb City is 99, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5.2%.
#11 Maryville
A city in Nodaway County, Maryville has a current population of 11,900 residents. Also the county seat, the community is home to Northwest Missouri State University as well as the Missouri State Arboretum. The violent crime rate here is 99.7, and residents of Maryville have a 1.7% chance of being affected by property crime.
#12 Lake St Louis
Located in St. Charles County, the city of Lake St. Louis is home to 14,500 residents. Considered a planned community on two private lakes, this fast-growing city is characterized by its recreational opportunities and expanding retail developments. The violent crime rate in Lake St. Louis is 101.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.1%.
#13 Eureka
A city in St. Louis County, Eureka is home to 10,100 residents. The community encompasses 10.4 square miles and is the site of the popular amusement park Six Flags St. Louis. The violent crime rate here is 107.8, and residents of Eureka have a 2.4% chance of being affected by property crime.
#14 Lee’s Summit
Located in Jackson and Cass counties, the city of Lee’s Summit is home to 91,300 residents. Originally settled in the mid-1800’s, the community has been included on CNN Money’s list of 100 best cities to live in the U.S. The violent crime rate in Lee’s Summit is 118.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.3%.
#15 Nixa
A city in Christian County, Nixa is home to 19,000 residents. Incorporated in 1902, the community is popular to many who commute to nearby Springfield. Another safe choice in Missouri, the violent crime rate in Nixa is 118.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.8%.
#16 Kirkwood
Located in St. Louis County, the city of Kirkwood is home to 27,500 residents. Founded in 1853, this was the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi River and is also the site of the popular St. Louis Children’s Museum, called The Magic House. The violent crime rate here is 123.3, and residents of Kirkwood have a 1.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#17 Troy
A city in Lincoln County, Troy is home to 10,500 residents. Also the county seat, the community is the gateway to Cuivre River State Park, one of the largest of Missouri’s state parks. The violent crime rate in Troy is 131.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.4%.
#18 Washington
Located in Franklin County, the city of Washington is home to 13,900 residents. The community is named after George Washington, sits on the Missouri River, and is known as the corncob pipe capital of the world. The violent crime rate here is 135, and residents of Washington have a 3.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#19 Arnold
A city in Jefferson County, Arnold is home to 20,800 residents. The city encompasses 11.9 square miles, is served by the Fox C-6 School District, and has a large Anheuser-Busch can manufacturing facility. The violent crime rate in Arnold is 143.4, and residents of the city have a 3.4% chance of being affected by property crime.
#20 Clayton
Located in St. Louis County, the city of Clayton is home to 15,900 residents. Also the county seat, the city is noted for its imposing buildings in its business district, where the headquarters of such companies as Enterprise Holdings, Centene, and Brown Shoe Company are located. The violent crime rate here is 150.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Clayton is just 1.6%.
#21 Florissant
Also located in St. Louis County, the city of Florissant is home to 52,100 residents. Considered one of the oldest settlements in the state, the community is home to two theological colleges and has been included on Money’s list of best places to live. The violent crime rate in Florissant is 151.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.2%.
#22 St. Charles
A city in St. Charles County, St. Charles is home to 65,700 residents. Also the county seat, the community lies on the banks of the Missouri River and serves as the base for the St. Louis National Weather Service office. The violent crime rate in St. Charles is 151.4, and residents have a 2.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#23 Warrensburg
Located in Johnson County, the city of Warrensburg has a current population of 18,800 residents. Also the county seat, the town is served by the Warrensburg R-VI School District, and is home to the University of Central Missouri. The violent crime rate here is 172.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Warrensburg is 3.2%.
#24 Carthage
A city in Jasper County, Carthage is home to 14,300 residents. Also the county seat, the community is the site of the first official engagement in the Civil War at the Battle of Carthage and is known for its popular Precious Moments Park and Chapel tourist attraction. The violent crime rate in Carthage is 179, and residents have a 3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#25 Moberly
Located in Randolph County, the city of Moberly is home to 13,900 residents. A part of the Little Dixie region of the state, the community was founded in 1866, is the site of a railroad museum, and is home to two colleges. The violent crime rate here is 186.2, and residents of Moberly have a 4.1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#26 Liberty
A city in Clay County, Liberty is home to 29,100 residents. Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Kansas City and is the site of William Jewell College. The violent crime rate in Liberty is 192.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.9%.
#27 Wentzville
Located in St. Charles County, the city of Wentzville is home to 29,000 residents. Considered a suburb of St. Louis, the city is known for its annual pirate festival and a large renaissance fair. General Motors Wentzville Assembly is the major employer in the area, with its full-size van assembly plant. The violent crime rate here is 193.2, and residents of Wentzville have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#28 Jackson
A city in Cape Girardeau County, Jackson is home to 13,700 residents. Also the county seat, the community maintains over 200 acres of parks for residents and has a historic uptown district. The violent crime rate in Jackson is 193.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.4%.
#29 Maryland Heights
A city in St. Louis County, Maryland Heights is home to 27,400 residents. Incorporated in 1985, the community is home to the county’s first casino and hosts other large businesses, such as Edward Jones Investments and Equifax Workforce Solutions. The violent crime rate here is 210.8, and residents of Maryland Heights have a 2.1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#30 Marshall
Located in Saline County, the city of Marshall is home to 13,000 residents. Also the county seat, the community encompasses 10.2 square miles, is served by the Marshall Public School District, and is the site of Missouri Valley College. The violent crime rate in Marshall is 214.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.5%.
#31 St. Peters
A city in St. Charles County, St. Peters is home to 52,500 residents. Incorporated in 1910 and named for a Jesuit mission, the community has an award-winning recreation complex for residents and has been included on Money’s list of best places to live. The violent crime rate here is 223, and residents of St. Peters have a 2.6% chance of being affected by property crime.
#32 Grain Valley
Located in Jackson County, the city of Grain Valley is home to 12,800 residents. Just 23 miles east of Kansas City, the community is served by the Grain Valley R-V School District. The violent crime rate in Grain Valley is 232.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime in the city is just 1.7%.
#33 Kennett
A city in Dunklin County, Kennett is home to 10,900 residents. Also the county seat, the community is located in the Bootheel section of the state just 20 miles from the Mississippi River, which is mostly an agricultural area. The violent crime rate here is 237.2, and residents of Kennett have a 5.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#34 Harrisonville
Located in Cass County, the city of Harrisonville is home to 10,000 residents. Also the county seat, the community was founded in 1837 and has a historic courthouse square district that consists of 37 buildings. The violent crime rate in Harrisonville is 237.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4.5%.
#35 Blue Springs
A city in Jackson County, Blue Springs is home to 52,500 residents. Named after a spring from the Little Blue River, the community has a rich history with several historic properties. It has also been included on CNN Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S. The violent crime rate here is 242.2, and residents of Blue Springs have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#36 Ozark
Located in Christian County, the city of Ozark is home to 17,800 residents. Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Springfield and is the site of the tech company, Simclar Interconnect Technologies. The violent crime rate in Ozark is 242.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.4%.
#37 Excelsior Springs
A city in Clay and Ray counties, Excelsior Springs has a current population of 11,000 residents. Just 30 miles northeast of Kansas City, the community sits along the East Fork Fishing River and is home to several popular community theaters. The violent crime rate here is 257.7, and residents of Excelsior Springs have a 4.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#38 Neosho
Located in Newton County, the city of Neosho is home to 11,800 residents. The Native American name for the city refers to the local freshwater springs, and the community is known as the home of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, the oldest in the system. The violent crime rate in Neosho is 276.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4.3%.
#39 Fulton
A city in Callaway County, Fulton is home to 12,700 residents. Also the county seat, the community was founded in 1825 and is the site of two universities, Westminster College and William Woods University. The violent crime rate here is 280.5, and residents of Fulton have a 3.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#40 Rolla
Located in Phelps County, the city of Rolla is home to 19,500 residents. Also the county seat, the community sits between Springfield and St. Louis and is the site of the headquarters of the Mark Twain National Forest as well as the home of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The violent crime rate in Rolla is 281.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.9%.
#41 Gladstone
A city in Clay County, Gladstone is home to 26,300 residents. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, the community has a rich history as well as an active arts and entertainment program for residents. The violent crime rate here is 282.6, and residents of Gladstone have a 2.8% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#42 Kirksville
Located in Adair County in the Benton Township, the city of Kirksville has a current population of 17,500 residents. Also the county seat, the community is home to two colleges, Truman State University and A.T. Still University. The violent crime rate in Kirksville is 285.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 2.8%.
#43 Belton
A city in Cass County, Belton is home to 23,100 residents. Located just 17 miles south of Kansas City, the community is served by the Belton School District and is the site of the Department of Energy’s new National Nuclear Security Administration building. The violent crime rate here is 304.8, and residents of Belton have a 2.8% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#44 Farmington
Located in St. Francois County, the city of Farmington is home to 16,200 residents. Just 60 miles south of St. Louis in the Lead Belt region of the state, the community is also the county seat and home to the headquarters of airline Multi-Aero. The violent crime rate in Farmington is 318.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4.8%.
#45 Mexico
A city in Audrain County, Mexico is home to 11,500 residents. Also the county seat, the community was incorporated in 1855 and is home to the Missouri Military Academy prep school. The violent crime rate here is 328.1, and residents of Mexico have a 2.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#46 Hannibal
Located in Marion and Ralls counties, the city of Hannibal has a current population of 17,600 residents. The city sits adjacent to the Mississippi River and is best known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain, serving as the setting for several of his novels. The violent crime rate in Hannibal is 329.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 6.1%.
#47 Overland
A city in St. Louis County, Overland is home to 16,000 residents. Considered a suburb of St. Louis, the community is the site of several business headquarters such as Build-A-Bear Workshop and the U.S. Government’s National Personnel Records Center. The violent crime rate here is 335.6, and residents of Overland have a 4.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#48 Hazelwood
Also located in St. Louis County, the city of Hazelwood is home to 25,700 residents. Another St. Louis suburb, the community is served by the Hazelwood School District and is home to the headquarters of the United Pentecostal Church International. The violent crime rate in Hazelwood is 341.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.8%.
#49 Festus
A city in Jefferson County, Festus is home to 11,600 residents. Incorporated in 1887, the community encompasses just 5.7 square miles, is known for its annual festivals, and is served by the Festus R-VI School District. The violent crime rate here is 342.9, and residents of Festus have a 2.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#50 Union
Located in Franklin County, the city of Union is home to 10,200 residents. Also the county seat, the community is just 50 miles southwest of St. Louis on the banks of the Bourbeuse River and is served by the Union R-XI School District. The violent crime rate in Union is 350.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 5.2%.