How is One of Missouri’s Safest Cities So Close to Springfield?

For the record, I like Springfield, Missouri. Even if you're also a fan, you'll have to admit the crime rate there is pretty atrocious. That's why I find it curious that one of the safest cities in Missouri is located so close to one that is notorious for crime and badness. Let's see how that works.

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The new Safewise 2023 safest Missouri cities had a newcomer on the list that I hadn't seen before. According to their ranking, it hasn't appeared near the top before, but this year it's suddenly listed as the 9th safest city in Missouri. It's the tiny community of Willard, Missouri with a humble population of just over 5,000 according to the last census.

This is where it gets interesting. Willard is a community that's a direct offshoot from Springfield, Missouri.

Depending on which "most dangerous list" you trust, Springfield is either #1 or #2 for crime especially property crime. Willard, Missouri however is...quite lovely thank you very much.

Instead of just taking the Safewise list at its word, I also checked ratings on Best Places and it seems to agree that Willard is really a decent place. People mention the nearby Ozark mountains and things to do plus an affordable cost of living. Karla from Willard, Missouri said this:

I’ve lived here for 1 year and I love it. It is such a great small town to live in. People are so friendly and nice.

She said the people that work at the Willard post office are nice, too. Bonus.

Guess it just goes to show you that you can have crime down the street, but it doesn't necessarily mean it will come to your home.