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Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
St. Charles, Missouri, a vibrant community with a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, has experienced notable changes in its violent crime landscape over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes in the city increased by 19.84%, rising from 126 incidents in 2010 to 151 in 2022. During this same period, the population grew by 7.87%, from 65,993 in 2010 to 71,190 in 2022, indicating that crime rates have outpaced population growth.
The murder rate in the city has fluctuated significantly over the years. In 2010, there were 2 murders, representing 0.59% of the state's total. This number dropped to zero in several years, including 2011, 2013, and 2016. However, 2018 saw a spike with 7 murders, accounting for 1.49% of the state's total. By 2022, the number decreased to 1 murder, or 0.19% of the state's total. When adjusted for population, the murder rate per 1,000 people peaked in 2018 at 0.099 and fell to 0.014 by 2022. This volatility in murder rates suggests a need for targeted crime prevention strategies.
Rape incidents have shown an overall increasing trend. In 2010, there were 8 reported rapes, which rose to 16 in 2022. The percentage of state rape cases attributable to the city increased from 0.75% in 2010 to 0.76% in 2022. The rate per 1,000 people also increased from 0.121 in 2010 to 0.225 in 2022. This consistent upward trend in rape cases warrants attention from law enforcement and community support services.
Robbery trends have been more variable. The city experienced 35 robberies in 2010, representing 0.63% of the state's total. This number decreased to 20 in 2022, accounting for 0.66% of state robberies. The robbery rate per 1,000 people decreased from 0.530 in 2010 to 0.281 in 2022, indicating a positive trend in robbery reduction relative to population growth.
Aggravated assault cases have shown a significant increase. In 2010, there were 81 incidents, which rose to 114 in 2022. The city's share of state aggravated assaults increased from 0.57% to 0.66% during this period. The rate per 1,000 people also increased from 1.227 in 2010 to 1.601 in 2022, suggesting a growing concern for public safety.
Examining correlations reveals interesting patterns. The rise in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults, appears to have a strong correlation with increasing population density, which grew from 2,622 people per square mile in 2010 to 2,828 in 2022. Additionally, there's a notable correlation between the increase in median rent, which rose from $821 in 2013 to $1,100 in 2022, and the overall increase in violent crimes. This could suggest economic pressures contributing to crime rates.
Applying predictive models to forecast violent crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a potential continuation of the increasing trend in overall violent crimes. Based on current patterns, aggravated assaults are likely to see the most significant increase, potentially reaching around 130-140 incidents annually by 2029. Rape cases may continue their upward trend, possibly reaching 20-25 incidents per year. Robbery rates are expected to remain relatively stable or show a slight decrease. Murder rates, given their volatility, are difficult to predict but are likely to remain low, possibly fluctuating between 0-3 incidents annually.
In summary, St. Charles has experienced a complex evolution in its violent crime landscape. While some categories like robbery have shown improvement, others such as aggravated assault and rape have witnessed concerning increases. The correlation between rising population density, increasing median rent, and violent crime rates suggests that the city's growth and economic changes may be influencing crime patterns. As the community continues to evolve, targeted interventions focusing on assault prevention, support for victims of sexual violence, and addressing potential economic drivers of crime will be crucial in shaping a safer future for St. Charles.