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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Eureka, Missouri, presents an intriguing case study in property crime trends. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of property crimes fluctuated, with a notable decrease from 231 in 2010 to 148 in 2022, representing a 35.9% reduction. During this same period, the population grew significantly from 9,960 to 12,831, a 28.8% increase. This juxtaposition of declining crime rates against population growth sets the stage for a detailed analysis of specific property crime categories.
Burglary rates in the city have shown a general downward trend. In 2010, there were 17 burglaries, which decreased to 11 by 2022, a 35.3% reduction. When adjusted for population growth, the burglary rate per 1,000 residents fell from 1.71 in 2010 to 0.86 in 2022, a substantial 49.7% decrease. The city's share of state burglaries fluctuated, rising from 0.05% in 2010 to 0.08% in 2022. This suggests that while burglaries have decreased overall, the city's contribution to state totals has slightly increased, possibly due to more significant reductions in other areas of Missouri.
Larceny-theft, the most common property crime in the area, also demonstrated a declining trend. The number of incidents dropped from 206 in 2010 to 115 in 2022, a 44.2% decrease. The rate per 1,000 residents fell even more dramatically, from 20.68 in 2010 to 8.96 in 2022, a 56.7% reduction. The city's percentage of state larceny-theft incidents remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 0.18% to 0.15% over the period. This suggests that the local efforts to combat larceny-theft have been largely in line with statewide trends.
Motor vehicle theft presents a more complex picture. The number of incidents increased from 8 in 2010 to 22 in 2022, a 175% rise. However, when accounting for population growth, the rate per 1,000 residents increased less dramatically, from 0.80 to 1.71, a 113.8% increase. Notably, the city's share of state motor vehicle thefts rose from 0.06% to 0.09%, indicating that this crime category has become a growing concern relative to state averages.
Arson data is limited, with incidents reported only in 2016, 2020, and 2022, each year showing just one case. This sporadic occurrence makes it difficult to establish a clear trend. However, the consistent low numbers suggest that arson is not a significant ongoing issue in the city.
Examining correlations between property crime trends and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. As the population density increased from 901 per square mile in 2010 to 1,160 in 2022, overall property crime rates decreased, suggesting that increased urbanization has not led to higher crime rates. The median income rose from $97,013 in 2013 to $106,862 in 2022, which may have contributed to the overall reduction in property crimes, particularly burglary and larceny-theft.
The racial composition of the city has remained predominantly white, though with a slight decrease from 91% in 2013 to 85% in 2022. This period coincides with the overall decrease in property crimes, but the change is not significant enough to draw strong conclusions about its impact on crime rates.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a continuation of current patterns. Burglary and larceny-theft rates are likely to continue their downward trend, potentially reaching historic lows. However, motor vehicle theft may continue to pose a challenge, with rates possibly increasing further if current trends persist. Arson is expected to remain a rare occurrence, with sporadic incidents not forming a predictable pattern.
In summary, Eureka has experienced a notable decrease in overall property crime rates despite significant population growth. The reduction in burglary and larceny-theft rates is particularly impressive, suggesting effective law enforcement strategies and community engagement. However, the rise in motor vehicle thefts presents an area for focused attention in the coming years. These trends, coupled with rising median incomes and stable community demographics, paint a picture of a city successfully managing property crime challenges while experiencing urban growth.