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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Parkville, Missouri, presents an intriguing case study in property crime trends over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of property crimes fluctuated, ultimately decreasing by 22.6% from 159 in 2010 to 123 in 2022. This decline occurred against a backdrop of significant population growth, with the city's population increasing by 26.4% from 17,629 in 2010 to 22,287 in 2022.
Burglary rates in the city have shown a notable downward trend. In 2010, there were 18 burglaries reported, which decreased to 9 in 2022, representing a 50% reduction. When adjusted for population growth, the burglary rate per 1,000 residents fell from 1.02 in 2010 to 0.40 in 2022, a 60.8% decrease. The city's share of state burglaries increased from 0.06% in 2010 to 0.07% in 2022, suggesting a potentially more significant statewide reduction in burglaries.
Larceny theft, the most common property crime in the city, exhibited fluctuations but an overall decline. The number of larceny thefts decreased from 137 in 2010 to 93 in 2022, a 32.1% reduction. Adjusting for population, the rate per 1,000 residents fell from 7.77 to 4.17, a 46.3% decrease. The city's contribution to statewide larceny theft remained relatively stable, moving from 0.12% in 2010 to 0.12% in 2022, indicating that the local trend aligns with statewide patterns.
Motor vehicle theft trends show a concerning increase. In 2010, there were 4 reported cases, which rose to 21 in 2022, a 425% increase. The rate per 1,000 residents increased from 0.23 to 0.94, a 308.7% rise. The city's share of state motor vehicle thefts also grew significantly from 0.03% to 0.09%, suggesting that this trend may be more pronounced locally than at the state level.
Arson cases in the city have been rare, with only one reported case in 2013 and another in 2022. This scarcity makes it difficult to discern meaningful trends, although the 0.16% contribution to state arson cases in 2022 indicates that arson remains a relatively minor concern in the city compared to other areas in Missouri.
Examining correlations between crime trends and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. As the population density increased from 1,185 people per square mile in 2010 to 1,498 in 2022, overall property crime rates decreased, suggesting that increased urbanization has not led to higher crime rates. The median income rose from $96,062 in 2013 to $108,308 in 2022, coinciding with the overall decrease in property crimes, potentially indicating that improved economic conditions may contribute to lower crime rates.
The percentage of owner-occupied housing increased from 71% in 2013 to 75% in 2022, which may have contributed to the decrease in burglaries and larceny thefts, as homeowners often invest more in security measures. The racial demographics showed a slight decrease in the white population from 86% in 2013 to 83% in 2022, with increases in Asian, Hispanic, and multi-racial populations. However, these changes do not appear to have a strong correlation with property crime trends.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a potential continuation of current patterns. Burglaries and larceny thefts are likely to continue their downward trend, albeit at a slower rate. Motor vehicle thefts may continue to increase but could plateau as awareness and prevention measures improve. Arson cases are expected to remain low and sporadic.
In conclusion, Parkville has shown resilience in the face of rapid population growth, with overall property crime rates decreasing despite the challenges that often accompany urban expansion. The significant reduction in burglaries and larceny thefts, coupled with rising incomes and homeownership rates, paints a picture of a community that has effectively managed its growth. However, the sharp increase in motor vehicle thefts presents a clear area for focused intervention and prevention strategies. As the city continues to evolve, maintaining these positive trends while addressing emerging challenges will be crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and prosperity of its residents.