Ozark, MO Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Ozark, MO

Is Ozark, MO safe?

Yes — Ozark earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest communities in Missouri. With a population of roughly 20,216 and a population density of just 674 residents per square mile, the city avoids the congestion-driven crime pressures common in larger urban centers. Neighborhoods like Eagle Creek and Crystal Springs consistently see lower incident volumes, and community policing efforts keep those numbers trending downward. The A-grade rating reflects both violent and property crime levels that fall well below state and national benchmarks, making Ozark a genuinely low-risk place to live, work, and visit.

What is the crime rate in Ozark, MO?

Ozark's overall crime grade is an A, which means its combined violent and property crime rates rank favorably against the vast majority of U.S. cities of similar size. To put that in context, cities earning an A grade typically see crime occurrence rates in roughly the bottom 10–20% nationally — a strong indicator of community safety. The city's 4.1% unemployment rate and median household income of $58,995 contribute to economic stability that research consistently links to lower crime. While no city is crime-free, Ozark's data-backed A grade signals that serious incidents are uncommon relative to peer communities across Missouri and the broader Midwest.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Ozark, MO?

Ozark's overall A crime grade suggests that safety is broadly distributed across the city rather than concentrated in just one or two pockets. Established residential areas such as Eagle Creek, Crystal Springs, and communities along the southern corridor near the James River are frequently cited by long-term residents as particularly quiet. These neighborhoods benefit from active homeowner associations, lower population turnover, and proximity to well-maintained parks and schools — all factors that correlate with reduced property and violent crime. For the most granular neighborhood-level picture, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and time period so you can compare specific streets and subdivisions directly.

Is Ozark a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Ozark is an excellent place to live. The city carries an A overall crime grade, a median household income of $58,995, and a median home value of just $161,727 — meaning residents get strong safety and relative affordability in the same package. The unemployment rate sits at 4.1%, close to full-employment territory, and median rent of $899 per month keeps housing accessible for renters as well. The poverty rate of 13.8% is something local leaders continue to address, but it has not translated into elevated crime, as the A grade confirms. Add in Ozark's outdoor recreation options, well-regarded schools, and its position within the Springfield metro area, and the city checks most boxes for families, retirees, and young professionals alike.

How does Ozark's crime compare to other Missouri cities?

Ozark's A crime grade puts it near the top tier of Missouri municipalities for public safety. Larger cities in the state frequently earn C, D, or even F grades when violent crime and property crime are factored together — making Ozark's performance notably strong by comparison. The city's low density of 674 people per square mile, combined with a stable local economy anchored by a median household income near $59,000, helps keep crime rates suppressed. Residents considering a move from a higher-crime Missouri city can expect a meaningful improvement in day-to-day safety, particularly regarding property crimes like theft and burglary that tend to spike in denser, economically stressed urban cores.

What types of crime are most common in Ozark, MO?

Consistent with its A overall crime grade, Ozark's incident reports skew heavily toward lower-severity offenses. Property-related incidents — including minor theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — make up the largest share of reported crimes, which is typical for a growing suburban community with active commercial corridors. Violent crime incidents are comparatively rare and represent a small fraction of total reports. Drug-related offenses are monitored by local law enforcement as part of a broader regional effort across the Springfield metro area. The takeaway from the data is clear: serious or violent incidents are the exception rather than the rule in Ozark, and the city's A grade reflects that reality accurately.