Did you know Columbia's violent crime rate is lower than Branson, Moberly, Joplin, and Jefferson City. It is less than 1/3 of Springfield's rate.

Many folks, especially rural, will insist Columbia is more dangerous than these places, but not so. We are statistically safer. We do have real problems to address (as everywhere) but I think a lot of the talk about Columbia being dangerous is politically motivated, consciously or unconsciously, and is not supported by reality. This is why an understanding of per capita (rates) crime statistics is important. Seriously look up the most dangerous cities on google, it might surprise you.