Is Missouri safe? Using Movato’s SafeWise crime statistics which are published every year,  we’ve been able to outline the safest cities in Missouri. Their methodology in determining which cities are the safest in the state involves comparing violent and property crimes per capita, with violent crimes having a stronger influence on the score. All cities listed have a population of 10,000 or larger; as you’d expect, smaller towns are often safer.

1. Clever, Missouri
Clever, MO 65631, USA
Facebook City of Clever, Missouri
With a tagline that reads "City of Clever - where it just gets better, every day" it’s easy to see why this town is listed as the safest city in Missouri. Clever jumped up five spots this year from last year with the lowest property crime rates in the entire state.
2. Vandalia, Missouri
Vandalia, MO 63382, USA
Wikipedia Asterion
This northeastern city of Vandalia only has a population of 4,000 people but it ranks as the second-safest city in Missouri. Jumping up 19 places, Vandalia has a very low property crime rate as well as a low violent crime rate.
3. Savannah, Missouri
Savannah, MO 64485, USA
Facebook City of Savannah
The city of Savannah, Missouri comes in at #3 on the list as one of the safest cities in Missouri. Savannah has a population of around 5,000 residents and has significantly dropped statistically in terms of violent crimes since 2019. In addition, property crimes have dropped as well over the past few years.
4. Oronogo, Missouri
Oronogo, MO, USA
Wikipedia Arkyan
Perhaps making the most significant improvement of all is Orongo, Missouri. Jumping up 59 places, Oronogo comes on a fourth-place on this list. The violent crime rates in this small Missouri city have been cut in half, year after year, which is why it’s jumped so high up on the list to become one of the safest small towns in Missouri.
5. Cottleville, Missouri
Cottleville, MO, USA
Wikipedia MItch Harden SCCRainbow
While Cottleville, Missouri hasn’t jumped up in rankings, it still remains the fifth safest city in Missouri. Cottleville actually dropped three places since last year with no change in violent crime rates. However, the property crime rates in Cottleville actually increased since 2019.

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6. Glendale, Missouri
Glendale, MO 63122, USA
Facebook City of Glendale, Missouri
Glendale also dropped three places in ranking since last year, yet it still comes in at sixth place. The violent crime statistics have decreased from last year, however, the property crime rankings did nearly double. The statistical averages are still low enough to secure its place as one of the safest cities.
7. Battlefield, Missouri
Battlefield, MO, USA
Battlefield, Missouri
There is a simple reason why Battlefield, Missouri ranks as high on this list as it does - there was a statistical average of zero violent crimes this year. This is saying something, especially with a population of 6,348 people!
8. Higginsville, Missouri
Higginsville, MO 64037, USA
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM
Higginsville, Missouri has jumped up eight places to rank as the eighth safest city in Missouri. Compared to the state averages, Higginsville has significantly less in terms of both violent crimes and property crimes. In fact, it has nearly three times fewer property comes compared to other cities.
9. Pleasant Valley, Missouri
Pleasant Valley, MO, USA
Facebook Pleasant Valley, Missouri Police Department
Pleasant Valley, Missouri has jumped 21 places to rank as the ninth safest city in the state. Compared to the 4.9 violent crimes per 1,000 people that is the state average, Pleasant Valley, with only 3,000 residents, only has 0.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
10. Kearney, Missouri
Kearney, MO, USA
Facebook City Of Kearney, MO
Kearney, Missouri has moved up 12 spots this year in order to round out the top ten safest cities in the state. While the property crimes may be higher than in other cities, the violent crime rate is significantly less than state averages for the past three years.

Some of us are country and some of us are the city.  For the city folks, this might be a good thing to consider when relocating to or visiting an area. As you can see, and of course it’s not a huge surprise, suburbs are great places to live if you want to be closer to a bigger city but want to feel a little safer sending your kids to school or walking down the street. While you’re exploring Missouri, be sure to check out these seven small towns with the best downtown areas.

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Safest Cities in Missouri

Marisa Roman | November 16, 2021

What are the most charming small towns in Missouri?

Looking for a few incredible places to visit in Missouri? Look no further. We have a handful of charming small towns in Missouri that are well worth the visit. Start with Parkville, the historic river town located around five miles from downtown Kansas City. But if you really want to talk about charming and small, head on over to Rocheport, a little town in wine country. With a population of under 500 people, Rocheport has been called one of "America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" by Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine.

What is the most dangerous place to live in Missouri?

Out of all of the dangerous places to live in Missouri, we have one particular place that has topped the list this year. Springfield, Missouri comes in at the top of the list of the most dangerous cities in Missouri. With a population of 168,000 people, Springfield ranks so high due to aggravated assaults, robberies, murders, and property crimes. Violent crimes totaled 2,218 in 2018 alone, which was quite high compared to state averages. While statistically Springfield is ranked as the most dangerous city, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have redeeming qualities worth visiting for.

What is the most unique town in Missouri?

Out of all of the best cities in Missouri that you can find, we love discovering the most unique. For anyone who has visited Hannibal, Missouri, they likely can agree that this may be the most unique in the state. While there are quite a few unique small towns in the state, not all of them can boast of being the town that inspired one of the greatest American novels in history. Not to mention, Hannibal, Missouri is also the hometown of Mark Twain! Founded in 1819, the small river town of Hannibal was known as being a port for boats traveling the upper Mississippi.

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