Is Jefferson City or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jefferson City is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 31/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,373 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 66% lower. Jefferson City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Jefferson City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: St. Louis City is 6.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Jefferson City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Jefferson City, MO
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Jefferson City | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,373.1 | 7,075.9 | -4,702.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 333.6 | 1,368.9 | -1,035.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 54.1 | -54.1 |
| Rape Rate | 94.0 | 58.1 | +35.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.5 | 249.6 | -219.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 209.1 | 1,005.4 | -796.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,039.4 | 5,706.9 | -3,667.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 141.0 | 819.7 | -678.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,788.0 | 3,412.3 | -1,624.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 110.4 | 1,475.0 | -1,364.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jefferson City or St. Louis City safer?
Jefferson City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,373 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Jefferson City has a violent crime rate of 333.6 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. Jefferson City has lower violent crime.
About Jefferson City, MO
Nestled on the Missouri River bluffs, Jefferson City is Missouri's state capital, home to the imposing Capitol building. This mid-sized city, with a population around 43,000, sits roughly in the center of the state. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 42,561, Jefferson City has a total crime rate of 2,373.1 per 100,000 residents.
About St. Louis City, MO
St. Louis City, Missouri, a major port on the Mississippi River, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch. With a population exceeding 300,000, it's a vibrant Midwestern hub with a rich German heritage. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 277,294, St. Louis City has a total crime rate of 7,075.9 per 100,000 residents.