Why is Missouri So Dangerous? Reasons The Truth

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Why is Missouri so Dangerous – Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern United States with a population of over 6 million people. Despite its beautiful scenery and attractions, Missouri has been a hotbed of crime in recent years. In this article, we will explore why Missouri is so dangerous and examine the factors contributing to the state’s high crime rates.

Is Missouri A Safe State?

Missouri is not considered a safe state. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR), Missouri had a violent crime rate of 569.3 per 100,000 people in 2020, which is higher than the national average of 366.7 per 100,000 people.

Missouri also had a property crime rate of 2,983.4 per 100,000 people, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2,109.9 per 100,000 people.

What City in Missouri has the Most Crime?

Why is Missouri so Dangerous

St. Louis is the city with the highest crime rate in Missouri. According to the FBI’s UCR, St. Louis had a violent crime rate of 1,927.3 per 100,000 people in 2020, which is more than three times the national average.

The city also had a property crime rate of 5,470.1 per 100,000 people, which is more than two and a half times the national average.

Where Does Missouri Rank in Safety?

Missouri ranks as the 5th most dangerous state in the United States.

According to a study by WalletHub, Missouri has the 5th highest number of murders and non-negligent homicides per capita, the 3rd highest number of aggravated assaults per capita, and the 7th highest number of thefts per capita.

What Are the Cons of Living in Missouri?

Despite its natural beauty and affordable cost of living, there are several cons to living in Missouri, including:

  1. High Crime Rates: Missouri has some of the highest crime rates in the country, especially in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.
  2. Extreme Weather: Missouri experiences extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes, floods, and thunderstorms.
  3. Limited Career Opportunities: While there are some job opportunities in Missouri, the state’s economy is not as strong as in other states.
  4. Poor Education System: Missouri ranks 31st in the country for education, with low graduation rates and underfunded schools.
  5. Limited Healthcare Options: Missouri has fewer healthcare options than other states, and access to healthcare can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas.

What is the Poorest City in the State of Missouri?

The poorest city in Missouri is Pine Lawn, which is located in St. Louis County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Pine Lawn is 47.3%.

What is the Minimum Wage in Missouri?

The minimum wage in Missouri is $10.30 per hour as of January 1, 2021. The minimum wage is adjusted each year based on inflation.

11 Reasons Why Missouri is so Dangerous

  1. High Crime Rates in Urban Areas: Missouri has several urban areas with high crime rates, including St. Louis and Kansas City. These cities have some of the highest murder rates in the country, with many crimes related to drugs and gangs.
  2. Easy Access to Firearms: Missouri has some of the most lenient gun laws in the country, with no permit required to purchase or carry a firearm. This easy access to firearms makes it easier for criminals to obtain and use guns.
  3. Drug and Gang Activity: Missouri has a significant drug problem, with high rates of opioid abuse and methamphetamine production. Gang activity is also prevalent in urban areas, leading to violence and crime
  4. Poverty and Income Inequality: Poverty and income inequality are major issues in Missouri, particularly in urban areas. Poverty can lead to higher rates of crime, as people may turn to illegal activities to make ends meet.
  5. Lack of Community Policing: Community policing programs can help build trust between law enforcement and communities, but Missouri has been slow to adopt these programs. Without community policing, it can be harder for law enforcement to prevent crime and solve cases.
  6. Understaffed Police Departments: Many police departments in Missouri are understaffed, which can make it challenging to respond to crimes quickly and efficiently.
  7. Lack of Mental Health Resources: Mental health is a significant concern in Missouri, and many people do not have access to the resources they need. Without proper mental health resources, some people may turn to drugs or violence to cope with their issues.
  8. Racial Disparities: Racial disparities are a problem in Missouri, particularly in the criminal justice system. Black people are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to longer sentences than white people for the same crimes.
  9. Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a significant problem in Missouri, with high rates of intimate partner violence. This type of violence can be difficult to prevent, as it often occurs in private settings.
  10. Human Trafficking: Missouri is a hub for human trafficking, with many victims forced into the sex trade. Human trafficking can be challenging to detect, and victims may not come forward due to fear or shame.
  11. Corruption: Corruption is a problem in Missouri, particularly in government and law enforcement. Corruption can lead to a breakdown of trust between officials and the public and can make it harder to combat crime.

Conclusion: Why is Missouri so Dangerous

Missouri is a state with many great things to offer, but it is also plagued by high crime rates, poverty, and other issues. The state’s easy access to firearms, drug and gang activity, poverty, and income inequality all contribute to its high crime rates.

Additionally, the lack of community policing, mental health resources, and racial disparities in the criminal justice system exacerbate the problem.

To combat these issues, Missouri needs to invest in community policing programs, and mental health resources, and address income inequality and poverty.

By addressing these issues, Missouri can become a safer place for everyone.

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