Like most cities, Springfield, MO, has charming neighborhoods and areas with higher risks. The city has one of the highest crime rates in America, with an average of 63 crimes per 1,000 residents.
In general, the north and west sides of Springfield have the highest crime rates, and the south and east sides have the least. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t judge an area by its cover. Springfield is a patchwork of good and bad areas, and many places get a bad rep from local news sources.
It’s important to be informed about the areas that pose the highest risk to your safety. If you want a clearer picture of each location, we recommend researching and visiting the area yourself. Talk to the locals and assess the vibe to see how each neighborhood stacks up.
Luckily, in this article, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ll provide an overview of five of the most notorious areas in Springfield, MO. including:
Let’s get into it!
Located on the west side of Springfield, close to downtown, the Heart of the Westside is notorious amongst locals for its high crime rate. This area is mostly suburban and has several economic and social issues that draw in the high rate of criminal activity, such as the low-income demographic.
While residents in the area say that most neighbors are friendly and welcoming, they admit that the area needs work and highlight safety concerns as one area for improvement. Gunfights, drug deals, and other gang-related activity have made the area infamous in recent times.
The presence of gangs and criminal activity in the area has warranted a high police presence in recent years. There is also concern about the tendency for violent crime in the area. Earlier this year, it was reported that two people were shot outside of a residence in this area.
If you're visiting or traveling through this area, we recommend doing so during daylight hours. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
W Walnut St / S Clifton Ave is a residential neighborhood in Springfield, made up of apartments and family homes. The area dates back to the 1920s and has a mix of older and modern builds. It’s one of the lowest-income areas of Springfield and has a high unemployment rate compared to the rest of the city. These economic factors might explain the rate of theft in the area.
Unlike neighborhoods like the Heart of the Westside, which are more known for violent or drug-related crime, this area is notorious for break-ins and car damage. One Reddit user complained that their car had broken into four times in the space of two years in this area.
Another user claimed they had their stuff stolen from their garage while they were in the process of moving houses. Car break-ins are prominent in this area, so it’s important to remember to lock your car doors and keep all valuables out of sight.
The area’s proximity to Missouri State University is another factor influencing the safety here, with college students milling around. The area directly west of downtown is the sketchiest, while East Walnut (towards Glenstone Ave) is considered safer. If you have to travel through here, remember to keep your wits about you.
Springfield crime statistics routinely put Grant Beach at one of the highest points. Locals view the area as one of the worst in terms of cleanliness and safety, with lots of old junk lying around the streets. Unfortunately, it is a very old and rundown area, which only contributes negatively to its safety.
Grant Beach faces a lot of social issues, such as a high homeless population and drug-related issues. Residents have noted that public parks are especially dangerous, as addicts hang around the area and conduct dodgy practices.
One resident complained about people fighting on the street and said that they wouldn’t let their kids play outside. The area is around two miles north of Downtown, and this proximity is one of the reasons why this area is particularly notorious.
However, despite its bad reputation, the residents of Grant Beach are determined to pick things back up. Back in June this year, a few came together to organize street cleanups to help deter crime.
If you’re visiting or passing through Grant Beach, remember to stay vigilant and avoid public spaces. We also recommend staying away from the area at night.
While Downtown Springfield is a vibrant and up-and-coming area, it’s important to be aware that the area can be quite dangerous as well. Thanks to revitalization efforts over the last few decades, Downtown has become a hub of activity. Restored historic buildings, entertainment venues, and new businesses have helped this area thrive.
Unfortunately, some parts of this area can be quite dodgy, particularly around Park Central Square. Residents have cited issues such as homelessness and public drug use as what makes this area so dangerous, as well as a string of violent crimes. Earlier this year, an altercation outside of the library sent a security guard to the hospital.
When traveling through or visiting this area, we recommend sticking to well-lit areas, especially the main roads. Some side streets can also be dodgy, as well as parking garages caused by an increase in car theft in recent years.
Luckily, there have been efforts to make Downtown safer, with regular police patrols aiding public safety. New street lamps have also been installed, which has helped deter crime away from the main areas.
Located in north Springfield, Robberson is another notorious area. This area has a higher crime rate than the average U.S. neighborhood, with high reports of property-related crime. Luckily, the violent crime rate is much below the national average.
However, it’s important to be aware that Robberson is infamous for its high levels of theft. Some residents have reported that their belongings have been stolen from their front yards in broad daylight. This is why it’s important to keep your belongings secure.
A large proportion of residents in this area attend one of the nearby colleges, which makes it a college-focused neighborhood. This could explain the high number of thefts in the area, and it’s important that residents remember to keep doors locked and their belongings out of sight.
Much like Downtown, the area is also experiencing a moment of revitalization. The development of Glenstone Avenue has brought about commercial growth and an increase in community activity. These efforts have also improved the safety of the area, which means that in the future, Robberson might not be as notorious as it is today.
Whether you're traveling through, visiting a friend, or looking to move to Springfield, it's important to stay vigilant and informed. For every upbeat area of the city, there are pockets of danger to be wary of. As seen in Park Central Square, public places can be especially dangerous, with a high level of drug activity and homelessness impacting the area.
Other parts of the area can also have issues facing them, from gang-related activities in Westside to the high levels of violent crime in Downtown. You must take the necessary precautions and stay aware of your surroundings when in these areas. Remember to be alert and aware and keep yourself and others safe.
If you see any suspicious activities, report them to the Police as soon as possible. You might also like to get involved with one of the many local efforts to improve safety in these areas, such as the Grant Beach cleanup.
