Is Kansas City or Poplar Bluff Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Poplar Bluff is safer than Kansas City (Safety Score 99/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 248 per 100,000 versus 6,224 for Kansas City — 96% lower. Kansas City has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Poplar Bluff has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Kansas City is 31.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kansas City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Poplar Bluff — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kansas City, MO
Poplar Bluff, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kansas City | Poplar Bluff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,224.4 | 248.3 | +5,976.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,547.4 | 37.3 | +1,510.2 |
| Murder Rate | 27.6 | 12.4 | +15.2 |
| Rape Rate | 74.7 | 12.4 | +62.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 254.0 | 0.0 | +254.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,191.2 | 12.4 | +1,178.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,677.0 | 211.1 | +4,465.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 490.4 | 31.0 | +459.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,454.9 | 149.0 | +2,305.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,731.8 | 31.0 | +1,700.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City or Poplar Bluff safer?
Poplar Bluff is safer with a total crime rate of 248 per 100K vs 6,224 for Kansas City — a 96% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,547.4 per 100K while Poplar Bluff has 37.3. Poplar Bluff has lower violent crime.
About Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, Missouri, straddles the Missouri River and is known for its distinct barbecue style. It's the largest city in Missouri by population, with a diverse metropolitan area. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 511,437, Kansas City has a total crime rate of 6,224.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Poplar Bluff, MO
Nestled in the Ozark Foothills, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was once a major lumber producer, shipping timber via the Black River. Today, it serves as a regional hub for southeast Missouri, with a population around 17,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 16,108, Poplar Bluff has a total crime rate of 248.3 per 100,000 residents.