Is Poplar Bluff or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Poplar Bluff is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 99/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 248 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 96% lower. Poplar Bluff has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Poplar Bluff has a 100% lower rate.
Note: St. Louis City is 17.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Poplar Bluff — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Poplar Bluff, MO
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Poplar Bluff | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 248.3 | 7,075.9 | -6,827.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 37.3 | 1,368.9 | -1,331.7 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 54.1 | -41.7 |
| Rape Rate | 12.4 | 58.1 | -45.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 249.6 | -249.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 12.4 | 1,005.4 | -993.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 211.1 | 5,706.9 | -5,495.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 31.0 | 819.7 | -788.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 149.0 | 3,412.3 | -3,263.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 31.0 | 1,475.0 | -1,443.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poplar Bluff or St. Louis City safer?
Poplar Bluff is safer with a total crime rate of 248 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 96% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Poplar Bluff has a violent crime rate of 37.3 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. Poplar Bluff has lower violent crime.
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.
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.