Crime Numbers Dip in Missouri Cities

In 2025, Columbia and Jefferson City saw a drop in violent crime. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported a 6. 29% decrease in Columbia. This includes crimes like murder, assault, robbery, and rape. The city had been under scrutiny after a tragic shooting near Stephen's College in September. This event sparked a call to action from the University of Missouri President Mun Choi. He urged the city to tackle crime more effectively. Looking back, Columbia's violent crime rates have been falling since 2021. That year, there were 652 incidents, but in 2025, the number dropped to 447. Murders saw a big drop, from 13 in 2024 to just 5 in 2025. Robberies also decreased by 25%, with most victims not getting hurt. Sexual assaults went down by 20. 75%, and most assailants were acquaintances or intimate partners of the victims. However, aggravated assaults slightly increased by 0. 5%.Jefferson City also saw a decrease in violent crime by 6. 9%. The city reported 135 incidents in 2025, which is much lower than Columbia's numbers. Robberies in Jefferson City dropped by 38. 46%, and half of the victims were unharmed. There were no murders reported in 2025 or the previous year. However, sexual assaults increased by 4. 65%, with most assailants being acquaintances or family members. While the decrease in crime is good news, it's important to remember that even one crime is too many. The data shows progress, but there's still work to be done to ensure safety for everyone.