Preston, MS Crime Rate & Safety

Preston, MS has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 109% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 152 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 58 chance for property crime. Preston has higher crime than 96% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Preston has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Preston is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Preston is 655.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 72% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 152 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.7 per 100K (93% above average); aggravated assault at 465.2 per 100K (73% above average); robbery at 114.6 per 100K (55% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Preston is 1,725.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 58 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 418.6 per 100K (55% above average); larceny/theft at 1,028.1 per 100K (27% below average); vehicle theft at 278.8 per 100K (13% below average).

Preston's overall crime rate is 109% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (97% above average), while larceny/theft is 27% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Preston has higher crime than 96% of them.

Visitors to Preston should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 6% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

Mississippi as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Preston's crime rate is 109% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Mississippi city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Preston, with an estimated rate of 1,028.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 27% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,726 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (656 per 100K) in Preston, which is consistent with national trends.