Loading Content...
Violent Crime Trends in Woodson Terrace, Missouri: A Study of Emerging Patterns and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Woodson Terrace, a small urban area in Missouri covering just 0.77 square miles, has experienced significant changes in its violent crime landscape over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the city saw a 41.67% increase in total violent crimes, rising from 12 to 17 incidents, while its population slightly decreased by 3.74%, from 4,171 to 4,015 residents. This trend indicates a growing concern for public safety in this compact community.
Murder rates in Woodson Terrace have shown notable variability. The city reported no murders from 2010 to 2017, but recorded its first in 2018, accounting for 0.21% of the state's total and equating to 0.23 murders per 1,000 people. By 2022, this number increased to 2 murders, representing 0.37% of the state's total and a rate of 0.50 per 1,000 people. This sharp increase, despite the small population, suggests a concerning trend in violent crime severity.
Rape incidents have fluctuated over the years, rising from 1 reported case in 2010 (0.09% of state total) to a peak of 4 cases in 2018 (0.20% of state total), before decreasing to 2 cases in 2022 (0.09% of state total). The rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.24 in 2010 to 0.50 in 2022, indicating a growing concern despite the overall population decrease.
Robbery trends in Woodson Terrace have shown volatility. In 2010, there were 3 robberies (0.05% of state total), peaking at 9 in 2016 (0.15% of state total), before decreasing to 4 in 2022 (0.13% of state total). The rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.72 in 2010 to 1.00 in 2022, suggesting an intensification of robbery incidents relative to the population size.
Aggravated assault cases have shown an overall increase. In 2010, there were 8 cases (0.06% of state total), rising to a high of 20 in 2021 (0.12% of state total), before decreasing to 9 in 2022 (0.05% of state total). The rate per 1,000 people increased from 1.92 in 2010 to 2.24 in 2022, indicating a growing prevalence of assaults in the community.
A strong correlation exists between the increase in violent crimes and changes in racial demographics. The percentage of Black residents increased from 23% in 2013 to 35% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 62% to 37% over the same period. This demographic shift coincides with the overall increase in violent crime rates, suggesting potential socioeconomic factors at play.
Applying predictive models based on current trends, it is projected that by 2029, Woodson Terrace may see a further increase in violent crimes. The murder rate could potentially reach 3-4 cases per year, rape incidents might stabilize around 2-3 cases annually, robberies could increase to 5-6 per year, and aggravated assaults may rise to 22-25 cases annually.
In conclusion, Woodson Terrace has experienced a concerning upward trend in violent crimes over the past decade, particularly in relation to its decreasing population. The most significant increases have been observed in murders and aggravated assaults. These trends, coupled with demographic shifts, suggest a changing urban landscape that may require targeted interventions to address the rising crime rates and ensure community safety.
