Is Southaven or Starkville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Starkville is safer than Southaven (Safety Score 37/100 vs 32/100), with a total crime rate of 2,119 per 100,000 versus 2,339 for Southaven — 9% lower. Southaven has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Starkville has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Southaven is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Southaven — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Starkville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Southaven, MS
Starkville, MS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Southaven | Starkville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,339.4 | 2,118.8 | +220.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 314.6 | 82.9 | +231.7 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 11.8 | -10.1 |
| Rape Rate | 20.9 | 0.0 | +20.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 31.3 | 4.0 | +27.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 250.3 | 67.1 | +183.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,024.8 | 2,036.0 | -11.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 170.3 | 785.2 | -614.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,612.9 | 1,164.0 | +448.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 241.6 | 86.8 | +154.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southaven or Starkville safer?
Starkville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,119 per 100K vs 2,339 for Southaven — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Southaven has a violent crime rate of 314.6 per 100K while Starkville has 82.9. Starkville has lower violent crime.
About Southaven, MS
Southaven, Mississippi, a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee, grew rapidly after the construction of I-55 in the 1970s. It is the largest city in DeSoto County, boasting a diverse population of over 55,000 residents. The Snowden District is a significant commercial and entertainment hub. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 57,537, Southaven has a total crime rate of 2,339.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Starkville, MS
Starkville, Mississippi, known as "Mississippi's College Town," is home to Mississippi State University. This city in Oktibbeha County has a significant student population, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 25,344, Starkville has a total crime rate of 2,118.8 per 100,000 residents.