Is Springfield, MO Safe? Crime Statistics & Neighborhood Guide 2026
Is Springfield, MO safe? The short answer: yes — Springfield's crime rate is 42% below the national average, and the trend has been improving for five straight years. Here's what the latest 2025–2026 data shows for buyers, investors, and anyone considering a move to the largest city in southwest Missouri. For more on Springfield's lifestyle and livability, see Pros and Cons of Living in Springfield, MO.
Is Springfield, MO a safe city to live in?
Based on 2026 data, yes — Springfield's overall crime rate sits 42% below the national average and earns a B+ safety grade. According to DoorProfit's 2026 crime analysis, Springfield is safer than 79% of U.S. cities with a population above 50,000. Residents face a 1-in-444 chance of becoming a violent crime victim, compared to 1-in-263 nationally — a 41% lower risk.
Some sources, notably NeighborhoodScout (accessed May 2026), offer a more cautious assessment, placing Springfield among the top 100 most dangerous U.S. cities. The difference comes down to methodology: NeighborhoodScout benchmarks Springfield against every U.S. community regardless of size, including rural towns with near-zero crime.
DoorProfit compares only cities above 50,000 residents — a more relevant baseline for an urban area of Springfield's scale. The right benchmark depends on whether you're comparing Springfield to small towns or to comparable urban areas.
Community feedback from local news coverage (KY3, January 2026) reflects this nuance: residents relocating from larger metros consistently describe Springfield as comparatively safe, while some longtime locals note that isolated incidents and occasional downtown activity can create a perception gap with the official statistics.
Springfield is not crime-free, but by peer-city standards, it performs well above average.
What do Springfield's latest crime statistics show?
Springfield's crime fell across most categories in 2025, continuing a multi-year downward trend. According to the SPD's official 2025 Annual Crime Report (published March 9, 2026), overall crime dropped 4.7%:
- Crimes against property: −8.3%
- Crimes against society: −4.2%
- Crimes against persons: +1% (marginal increase)
Since 2020 — which Chief Paul Williams described as a "high water mark" for offenses — Springfield has recorded a cumulative 25–30% reduction in overall crime, per SPD data. The department tracks more than 50 crime categories under the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), providing one of the more transparent local crime datasets in Missouri.
How does Springfield compare to Missouri and the national average?
Springfield's crime rate is 42% below the national average, while Missouri as a whole runs 16% above it — a gap that positions the city among the safer mid-size metros in the region.
| Benchmark | Crime Index (national avg = 100) | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. National Average | 100 | — |
| Missouri | 116 | +16% |
| Springfield, MO | 58 | −42% |
Crime Index is DoorProfit's proprietary composite score, derived from local law enforcement reports and FBI UCR data; it is not an official FBI statistic. The national average is normalized to 100 as the baseline.
For buyers relocating from larger metros, this comparison is particularly relevant — Springfield's crime profile is closer to many well-regarded suburban markets than to typical Midwest urban centers.
What types of crime are most common in Springfield?
In Springfield, property crime — primarily theft and vehicle break-ins — is the most common category of incident; violent crime sits well below national averages across every subcategory. The following rates are sourced from DoorProfit (updated May 2026):
| Crime Type | Rate per 100K | vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Larceny / Theft | 932.4 | −33% |
| Vehicle Theft | 215.5 | −32% |
| Burglary | 173.6 | −36% |
| Assault | 162.3 | −39% |
| Robbery | 41.5 | −44% |
| Murder | 3.1 | −38% |
Opportunistic property crime is the primary risk. Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles — vehicle break-ins are the most common encounter. Standard home security practices are sufficient in the vast majority of Springfield neighborhoods.
Which Springfield neighborhoods are the safest?
Lake Springfield, Primrose, Young Lilly, and Southeast Springfield/Brentwood all carry A+ crime ratings — the lowest-risk areas in the city. DoorProfit's May 2026 neighborhood data shows 33 of Springfield's 36 neighborhoods rated A or above, indicating broadly consistent safety across most of the city.
Top 4 safest neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Crime Grade | Crime Index | Median Home Value Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Springfield | A+ | 22 | High ($115K median income) |
| Primrose | A+ | 48 | Strong ($82K median income) |
| Young Lilly | A+ | 63 | Solid ($65K median income) |
| SE Springfield / Brentwood | A+ | 71 | Solid ($71K median income) |
For buyers prioritizing safety alongside quality of life, these neighborhoods offer the strongest combination of low crime and stable property values. If you're weighing them alongside schools, commute, and amenities, Pros and Cons of Living in Springfield, MO covers the full picture.
Areas with relatively higher activity:
| Neighborhood | Crime Grade | Crime Index | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Central | B+ | 177 | $27,972 |
| Grant Beach | A− | 162 | $32,269 |
| Ewing | A− | 153 | $31,308 |
These areas carry slightly elevated indices, largely reflecting lower median incomes. For investors, they may offer value-to-price opportunities alongside higher management considerations.
Is downtown Springfield safe?
Downtown Springfield holds an A crime grade with an index of 122 — slightly above the city average, but well within the safe range. The primary concern is property crime (vehicle theft, opportunistic theft), not violent crime. Residents and visitors who apply standard urban precautions — parking in well-lit areas, securing valuables — generally report and experience safety consistent with A-rated neighborhoods.
For buyers considering downtown condos or investors evaluating short-term rentals, downtown Springfield's trajectory has been positive, supported by continued economic development and community-oriented policing.
What should buyers know about crime trends going into 2026?
Springfield's overall crime trajectory remains positive heading into 2026, though three near-term factors warrant monitoring. Chief Williams noted the early-year homicide spike is "not a sustainable number" and that multi-year enforcement strategies remain in place.
| Factor | Detail | Buyer Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Early-year homicide spike | 4 homicides in January 2026; full-year 2025 total was 18 (OzarksFirst / SPD) | Temporary volatility; not reflective of the multi-year trend |
| SPD staffing gap | ~45–50 officer vacancies; new academy class planned September 2026 | May affect response times in higher-activity neighborhoods |
| Federal funding reductions | DOJ cut $820M in crime prevention funding across the U.S. (national total, not a Springfield-specific figure; KY3, Jan 2026); local programs including Court Appointed Special Advocates in Springfield impacted | Fewer local prevention resources citywide in 2026 |
None of these factors reverses Springfield's overall favorable crime profile, but buyers in neighborhoods with higher crime indices should factor response capacity into their assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield, Missouri considered a safe city?
Yes. Springfield's 2026 crime rate is 42% below the national average, earning a B+ safety grade. The city is safer than 79% of comparable U.S. cities by population.
Is downtown Springfield safe?
Generally yes. Downtown holds an A crime grade; property theft is the primary concern. Standard urban awareness and vehicle security practices are sufficient for most residents and visitors.
What is the crime rate in Springfield, MO?
Springfield's 2026 Crime Index is 58 against a national average of 100 — 42% below the national baseline. The violent crime rate is 1 in 444 (versus 1 in 263 nationally) and the property crime rate is 1 in 76 (versus 1 in 55 nationally), according to DoorProfit's May 2026 data.
Is Springfield, MO safe at night?
In most neighborhoods, yes. The primary after-dark concern is opportunistic property crime, not violent crime. Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles — vehicle break-ins are the most common encounter after dark citywide. In downtown Springfield and the West Central area, heightened awareness is recommended after hours; zip codes 65806 and 65897 carry the city's highest crime indices. Established residential areas like Lake Springfield and Primrose report minimal night-time safety concerns.
What are the worst neighborhoods in Springfield, MO?
No Springfield neighborhood grades below B+. West Central carries the highest crime index (177), followed by Grant Beach (162) and Ewing (153) — all rated A− or B+, well within a manageable range by national standards.
Written by Ethan Ives | 417 Real Estate
Thinking about buying, investing, or relocating to Springfield, MO — and want to know which neighborhoods give you the best combination of safety, value, and lifestyle? Connect with Ethan Ives at 417 Real Estate for a local, no-pressure conversation about your next move.
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