Is Missouri safe? Using Movato's SafeWise crime statistics which are published every year,  we've been able to outline the safest cities in Missouri. Their methodology in determining which cities are the safest in the state involves comparing violent and property crimes per capita, with violent crimes having a stronger influence on the score. All cities listed have a population of 10,000 or larger; as you'd expect, smaller towns are often safer.

1. Clever, Missouri

With a tagline that reads "City of Clever - where it just gets better, every day" it’s easy to see why this town is listed as the safest city in Missouri. Clever jumped up five spots this year from last year with the lowest property crime rates in the entire state.

2. Vandalia, Missouri

This northeastern city of Vandalia only has a population of 4,000 people but it ranks as the second-safest city in Missouri. Jumping up 19 places, Vandalia has a very low property crime rate as well as a low violent crime rate.

3. Savannah, Missouri

The city of Savannah, Missouri comes in at #3 on the list as one of the safest cities in Missouri. Savannah has a population of around 5,000 residents and has significantly dropped statistically in terms of violent crimes since 2019. In addition, property crimes have dropped as well over the past few years.

4. Oronogo, Missouri

Perhaps making the most significant improvement of all is Orongo, Missouri. Jumping up 59 places, Oronogo comes on a fourth-place on this list. The violent crime rates in this small Missouri city have been cut in half, year after year, which is why it’s jumped so high up on the list to become one of the safest small towns in Missouri.

5. Cottleville, Missouri

While Cottleville, Missouri hasn’t jumped up in rankings, it still remains the fifth safest city in Missouri. Cottleville actually dropped three places since last year with no change in violent crime rates. However, the property crime rates in Cottleville actually increased since 2019.

6. Glendale, Missouri

Glendale also dropped three places in ranking since last year, yet it still comes in at sixth place. The violent crime statistics have decreased from last year, however, the property crime rankings did nearly double. The statistical averages are still low enough to secure its place as one of the safest cities.

7. Battlefield, Missouri

There is a simple reason why Battlefield, Missouri ranks as high on this list as it does - there was a statistical average of zero violent crimes this year. This is saying something, especially with a population of 6,348 people!

8. Higginsville, Missouri

Higginsville, Missouri has jumped up eight places to rank as the eighth safest city in Missouri. Compared to the state averages, Higginsville has significantly less in terms of both violent crimes and property crimes. In fact, it has nearly three times fewer property comes compared to other cities.

9. Pleasant Valley, Missouri

Pleasant Valley, Missouri has jumped 21 places to rank as the ninth safest city in the state. Compared to the 4.9 violent crimes per 1,000 people that is the state average, Pleasant Valley, with only 3,000 residents, only has 0.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

10. Kearney, Missouri

Kearney, Missouri has moved up 12 spots this year in order to round out the top ten safest cities in the state. While the property crimes may be higher than in other cities, the violent crime rate is significantly less than state averages for the past three years.

Some of us are country and some of us are the city.  For the city folks, this might be a good thing to consider when relocating to or visiting an area. As you can see, and of course it's not a huge surprise, suburbs are great places to live if you want to be closer to a bigger city but want to feel a little safer sending your kids to school or walking down the street. While you're exploring Missouri, be sure to check out these seven small towns with the best downtown areas.