Loading Content...
Violent Crime Trends in Piedmont, Missouri: A Decade of Fluctuations in a Shrinking Community
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Piedmont, located in Missouri, presents an interesting case study in violent crime trends. With a population of 3,976 in 2022, this small city has experienced fluctuations in both its population and crime rates over the years. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes increased from 3 to 7, representing a 133.33% increase. During the same period, the population decreased by 13%, from 4,570 to 3,976 residents.
Regarding murder trends, Piedmont has maintained a remarkably low rate throughout most of the observed period. From 2010 to 2019, and again in 2021 and 2022, there were no reported murders. The only exception was in 2020, when a single murder occurred, representing 0.16% of the state's total murders that year. This isolated incident resulted in a rate of 0.24 murders per 1,000 people for 2020. The overall trend suggests that murder is an extremely rare occurrence in this city, with no discernible pattern relative to population changes.
Rape incidents in the city have been similarly infrequent. The data shows only one reported rape in 2017, which accounted for 0.05% of the state's total that year. This single incident translated to a rate of 0.24 rapes per 1,000 people in 2017. For all other years in the dataset, there were no reported rapes. This indicates that rape is not a persistent issue in the city, with no clear trend or correlation to population changes.
Robbery in Piedmont has been nearly non-existent throughout the observed period. The only reported robbery occurred in 2021, accounting for 0.03% of the state's total robberies that year. This single incident resulted in a rate of 0.24 robberies per 1,000 people in 2021. For all other years, including 2022, no robberies were reported. This suggests that robbery is an extremely rare crime in the city, with no discernible trend relative to population fluctuations.
Aggravated assault has been the most prevalent form of violent crime in the city. The number of aggravated assaults fluctuated over the years, with a notable increase from 3 incidents in 2010 to 7 in 2022. This represents a 133.33% increase over the period. The rate of aggravated assaults per 1,000 people increased from 0.66 in 2010 to 1.76 in 2022. The city's contribution to the state's total aggravated assaults also increased, from 0.02% in 2010 to 0.04% in 2022. This trend suggests that aggravated assault has become a growing concern for the city, especially considering the declining population.
Examining correlations, there appears to be a strong inverse relationship between population density and violent crime rates. As the population density decreased from 2,144 per square mile in 2010 to 1,865 in 2022, the violent crime rate increased. Additionally, there's a notable correlation between the racial composition and crime rates. As the percentage of white residents decreased slightly from 95% in 2014 to 92% in 2022, the violent crime rate increased.
Applying predictive models based on these trends, it's forecasted that by 2029 (five years from now), Piedmont may see a continued increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults. The rate could potentially reach 2.5 to 3 incidents per 1,000 people, assuming the population continues to decline at the current rate.
In summary, Piedmont has experienced a concerning increase in violent crimes, primarily driven by aggravated assaults, despite a decreasing population. While murder, rape, and robbery remain rare occurrences, the rising trend in aggravated assaults warrants attention from local law enforcement and community leaders. The correlation between declining population density, slight changes in racial composition, and increasing violent crime rates suggests complex socio-economic factors may be at play in this small Missouri city.
