6 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Missouri

Missouri is located in the Midwestern United States and is bordered by Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to the south, and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west. The state represents a unique but dynamic balance between urban and rural settings, with diverse demographics. Despite being a vast melting pot of folks who reside here, Missouri is overall considered a safe state. Nicknamed the “Show-Me” state, the following towns have virtually no crime; these are six of the safest small communities to consider settling in Missouri.

Ballwin

Ballwin is located in the greater St. Louis area, and is consistently ranked above the national average for livability. This comes down to a myriad of factors: excellent schools, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, dining options, and safety. Over the past five years, Ballwin’s homicide and aggravated assault rates have remained consistently below the state and national average. For recreation, Castlewood State Park is popular among outdoor enthusiasts. It features hiking and biking trails suitable for all experience levels, as well as fishing and ample picnicking opportunities. Vlasis Park is Ballwin's largest park and is loaded with many amenities, including a baseball diamond, playground, tennis courts, walking paths, and ponds. Circle 7 Ranch is a bar and grill renowned for its distinctive tables featuring built-in beer taps, providing customers with a no-wait, standard service experience.

Webster Groves

Webster Groves is a residential community located in southeastern St. Louis County. The town is regarded for its suitability to live, work, and raise a family. Over the past five years, Webster Groves' aggravated assault rate has been below the state and national levels. Aside from a few minor spikes in homicide rates in the last five years, it has remained consistent between those incidents. Memorial Park is a popular location in town year-round, with varying activities from baseball and soccer fields in the summer to an ice rink in the winter. The annual Fourth of July festival is also held in Memorial Park.

Webster Groves boasts an active arts scene. Webster Arts, a hub that celebrates the arts, hosts events, exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and many other activities, such as trivia and yoga nights. The Old Orchard Gallery focuses on the exhibition of art, architecture, and history. Their space can also be rented to host many events, such as bridal parties and baby showers, with local art acting as unique décor.

Cottleville

Cottleville is located in St. Charles County, known for its historic buildings, quaint shops, and low crime rate. In the last five years, it has remained consistently low with no incidents of homicide. Aggravated assault has also been low, aside from a few minor spikes; it has still been below state and national levels except for one period when it was slightly higher than both. Locals can relax at Legacy Park, the town's most popular park, which features playgrounds for children, a dog park, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Cottle Village is a 4.5-acre multi-use complex located on the outskirts of town. It features a restaurant, bar, distillery, tasting room, large outdoor space with casual walk-up dining, and a live music stage. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a fun destination for the whole family, featuring wall-to-wall trampoline areas and dodgeball courts.

Chesterfield

Chesterfield is known for its strong neighborhoods, responsive services, and engaged citizens. The town boasts consistently lower levels of aggravated assault and homicide than state and national rates, with the exception of one minor increase in homicide in the last five years. Explore the history of Missouri at Faust Historic Village, which features 16 structures and four homes showcasing building and architectural styles between 1840 and 1908.

The village is located within Faust Park which has many other attractions in it such as the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, a 8,000 square foot conservatory which is home to over 60 tropical butterfly species and over 150 tropical plants. Elsewhere in town, Slick City Action Park has something for all ages, including varying sizes of dry slides, swings, and trapezes

Nixa

Nixa is a fast-growing community located between Springfield and Branson, and is perfectly situated among regional attractions and recreational opportunities. It boasts a generally safe community with aggravated assault below state and national levels, and in the last five years, the only incidents of homicide occurred in 2021. McCauley Park is equipped with a variety of amenities, including an aquatics center, playground, pavilion, soccer fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Arts are a part of the culture and community in Nixa. They are exemplified at the Aetos Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts band, choir, and theatre performances throughout the year. The 160 Grand Prix has been a staple of the Nixa community for many years. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the array of activities, including go-kart racing, challenging mini-golf courses, and batting cages.

Clayton

Clayton is recognized for an outstanding quality of life, which has become its trademark. It combines a bustling downtown with quiet, secure residential neighborhoods. The levels of aggravated assault and homicide have been consistently below state and national levels throughout the last five years, other than a spike in homicide in 2023. Clayton’s downtown area is renowned for its exceptional dining options, including 801 Fish, which offers fresh seafood, refined service, an award-winning wine list, and luxurious décor.

Spend an afternoon in Shaw Park, Clayton’s oldest and largest park, known for its picnic facilities, aquatic center, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including many ball games. Stroll the grounds of Concordia Seminary, a 72-acre campus full of Gothic architecture, wooded and landscaped grounds, and many landmarks, including Luther Tower, the most iconic symbol on campus, standing at 156 feet tall.

Many of Missouri’s small towns are situated between the state’s larger cities or located in the greater St. Louis area, offering the nearby amenities that a big city has to offer, but avoiding the drama that comes with living in one. From enjoying community events, relaxing in the abundance of public parks, or dining out in historic downtown areas, these are the six safest communities to settle in Missouri.