Missouri : Safety by City
- Blue Springs
- Boonville
- Branson
- Cape Girardeau
- Carthage
- Chesterfield
- Clayton
- Creve Coeur
- Fenton
- Ferguson
- Frontenac
- Hannibal
- Independence
- Jefferson City
- Jennings
- Joplin
- Kansas City
- Kirksville
- Kirkwood
- Lee’s Summit
- Maryland Heights
- Mehlville
- New Madrid
- Poplar Bluff
- Rolla
- Springfield
- St. Charles
- St. Joseph
- St. Louis
- Ste. Genevieve
Blue Springs is on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metro area.
Looking west, downtown Kansas City is just 20 miles away.
Looking east, the rolling hills of rural Missouri await.
The city has played an important role in many significant events in American history, including the Civil War and Westward Expansion.
It was the “Blue Springs” of the river that made a great stopping point.
The city grew from that flow.
Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Blue Springs Historic District and the Burrus Old Mill Park, which offer insights into the town’s past.
Additionally, Blue Springs was home to several Native American tribes, and visitors can learn more about their history and culture at the Missouri Town 1855 living history museum.
Another unique feature of Blue Springs is its abundance of natural beauty.
The Blue Springs Lake and the nearby Lake Jacomo are popular destinations for fishing and boating enthusiasts, while Fleming Park and the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center offer miles of trails for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Sure, Blue Springs is more suburban than anything, but don’t write off this safe community as a tourist destination because it truly brings everything Kansas City and the friendly Midwest have to offer into one location.
Warnings & Dangers in Blue Springs
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low overall risk. Crime rates are low, the city is always growing, and people are always happy to help a stranger who needs advice.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
KC Transit is the public bus system in the city, but it doesn't go as far as Blue Springs. You can easily get taxis, rideshares, or a rental cars.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
An average of eight pickpockets are reported each year, giving this is low risk. There's a greater risk of a car break-in, especially if you don't lock it and remove personal items from inside.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
This city runs a medium risk of severe weather in each season, with a special emphasis on winter and spring. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are the most dangerous, while winter storms can leave roads treacherous.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
In 2022, Blue Spring had one robbery reported every other month. That's the lowest number of robberies since at least 2000.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
As part of the KCMO metro area, we give it a medium risk to encourage terrorism safety awareness steps, but there's nothing about Blue Springs that makes it a potential target.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
About three cases of ATM or credit card theft were reported each week in 2022, which is a great reminder to use extra caution when making purchases. Don't let other people see you enter a PIN, and avoid ATMs, especially at night. The more manipulative scams are targeted at locals, with the local utility or IRS scams.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
In spring 2022, a popular Blue Springs convenience store was the target of a juvenile pervert who was recording women in the bathroom. The 17-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with sex crimes. There is no ongoing risk to women, but it's worth noting that it was a crime tip that led to his arrest, showing the importance of always reporting suspicious activity.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The 2021 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations. Winter visitors should look for warnings about frozen pipes, and if you see a water main break near your hotel, ask the front desk if there's a pressure issue that could require boiling water before using. It's rare but does happen.
Safest Places to Visit in Blue Springs
Even the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce admits this isn’t a big tourism hub, stating on its website, “You wouldn’t think of Blue Springs, Missouri as a traditional tourist vacation spot but; in reality, tourism can be defined as any visitor that comes to our city and shops, dines or plays.”
Hey, it’s not easy to compete with all the great things to do in Kansas City on both sides of the state line!
However, Blue Springs offers great hotels along I-70 in a safe place and one of the best outdoor recreation areas west of Lake of the Ozarks.
Lake Jacomo is 970 acres of sailing and fishing heaven.
It’s large enough to host regattas during the warm months and filled with bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, and catfish.
Guests can rent kayaks or SUPs too.
Campgrounds are on site, too.
Blue Springs Lake has a campground and water activities too, and it’s just north of Lake Jacomo.
The surrounding park includes a Civil War-era Living History Museum called Missouri Town.
Over 30 acres, you can explore historic structures and hear stories of the olden days from guides in costumes.
You’ll also see wildlife here as part of the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure, where you can (safely) see a buffalo or deer.
If vintage is more your thing, you won’t want to miss the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall, which is open seven days a week and has 3,500 (not a typo) vendors.
Check out the blog on the Brass Armadillo website to learn how to ship and care for antiques safely.
Burrus Old Mill Park is a small family park where you can skate, climb the playground, or walk the trails, making it a great family adventure.
As you drive around Blue Springs, download the Public Art Treasure Quest to find more than a dozen art installations around the region.
Downtown Blue Springs also has Main Street with charming stores, restaurants, and a seasonal farmer’s market.
Places to Avoid in Blue Springs
You can travel freely in Blue Springs without running into a dangerous part of town.
The property crime here is higher than in the average American city, so don’t let your guard down.
Always lock your car and remove personal items from inside, especially in the downtown or shopping areas.
Check the weather before you head to one of the lakes, as you don’t want to get caught on the water with an approaching thunderstorm.
If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to get hit by lightning.
You can sign up for Nixle alerts to always get emergency weather notifications on your mobile device.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Blue Springs
- Blue Springs does have its own police department. Its social media handle is @BlueSpringsPD, and those are updated several times a day.
- Check out the Community Crime Map on the department’s website. You’ll be able to search the interactive map for certain crimes and geotarget the preferred area, such as if you want to know how many assaults have happened within 1/2 mile of your hotel.
- Blue Springs PD has a Crime Prevention section on its website offering safety tips for the most common crimes with contact information should you be a victim. It’s a robust list of great safety guidance.
- The city installed license plate readers around town in the places most known for car break-ins or shoplifters. This does mean your license plate will be recorded if you drive by, but that should only worry you if you’ll be driving a stolen car. It can actually help catch criminals by tracing escape paths.
- If you see any suspicious activity or have information about a crime that happened, you can text a tip to the police without having to reveal your identity. Text “BSPD” with the information to CRIMES (274637).
- If you need to report a crime, like your own car being broken into, you’ll do that online if there isn’t an injury involved. Take as many pictures as you can and share them with the police through the online reporting form.
- Blue Springs has seen an increase in opioid overdoses, like much of America. In 2022, one of the victims was just 13 years old. This is another reason it’s important to report suspicious activity. Drugs are becoming more mainstream because they look like prescription pills but are laced with undetectable fentanyl.
- Anglers need a fishing license from the Missouri Department of Conservation to cast in the nearby lakes. You’ll want a non-resident license and should check for any additional permits or seasonal restrictions for certain fish.
- Blue Springs Police offers a Text to 911 service, which should only be used if you are in an emergency situation where you can’t speak, like an active shooter event. Be as specific as possible. Video, photos, and emojis are not accepted through this system, so don’t try to send them, as it could prevent your message from going through.
- Use MoDOT’s camera system, available online and through an app, to check road conditions, traffic, and weather problems before you head into the heart of the metro area.
So... How Safe Is Blue Springs Really?
Violent crime rates are 54% lower than the national average but are double the number from 2015 when a steady incline started.
Just 15% of violent crimes involved strangers over the past five years, lowering the risk even more.
The biggest problem here is property crime, with home burglaries and thefts reaching a boiling point with residents in 2022.
One homeowner told FOX4 in Kansas City, “I see people — this is a busy road — roaming up and down the road. It puts me on high alert. Instantly. We have Ring cameras all over the outside, but that doesn’t stop them.”
The upset residents took to social media and faced off with the city council, claiming police don’t investigate most of the burglaries and thefts.
Police scoff at that.
“We are responding to calls for service and investigating all crimes as usual; nothing has changed despite what is being said on social media,” Blue Springs Police Chief Bob Muenz said.
“Yes, we are short-staffed right now, and yes, there have been some pandemic-related challenges.
But they are no different than anyone else is facing at this time.
We are still handling calls, arresting violators, and taking investigative action where there is enough evidence to do so.”
This isn’t an ongoing threat to visitors, but it is yet another reminder of the importance of taking time to lock doors, close windows, protect your belongings, and stay aware of your surroundings while still offering help to others by reporting suspicious activity.
36% of all thefts were car break-ins or car accessory thefts.
Blue Springs is a proud suburb with great people who defend their safe community and laid-back lifestyle.
If that sounds like your kind of place, you’ll enjoy your time here and possibly bring home some antiques!
How Does Blue Springs Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Blue Springs | 82 |
| Philadelphia | 60 |
| Houston | 59 |
| Atlanta | 58 |
| St. Louis | 58 |
| Los Angeles | 56 |
| Oakland | 57 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
International travelers need a passport and a visa or visa waiver from the U.S. State Department. A full list of requirements is on the department's website, as well as the most updated rules for international travelers post-pandemic.
Currency
The only currency accepted is the U.S. Dollar. In a large metro area like Kansas City, you'll have plenty of currency exchange locations, but the best rates and lowest fees will come from your home bank.
Weather
During the summer months, pack lightweight and breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses, as temperatures can reach as high as 90°(F). Don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection against the sun and heat. Bug spray will be needed. Bring layers for fall and spring as temperatures can fluctuate, and winter will require warm layers and possibly a thick winter coast.
Airports
The commercial airport closest to Blue Springs is the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), 35 miles northwest of Blue Springs. The drive will take about 40 minutes without traffic.
Travel Insurance
Kansas City weather can be intense, and you don't want a winter storm or severe weather system to cancel or delay your trip without having the costs covered. Travel insurance offers that peace of mind.
Blue Springs Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 4 | 6 | 14 | 19 | 24 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 26 | 20 | 13 | 6 |
| Low °C | -6 | -4 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 3 | -3 |
| High °F | 39 | 43 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 84 | 88 | 88 | 79 | 68 | 55 | 43 |
| Low °F | 21 | 25 | 37 | 46 | 55 | 66 | 70 | 68 | 59 | 48 | 37 | 27 |
Missouri - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Blue Springs | 82 |
| Boonville | 83 |
| Branson | 70 |
| Cape Girardeau | 72 |
| Carthage | 80 |
| Chesterfield | 78 |
| Clayton | 72 |
| Creve Coeur | 78 |
| Fenton | 72 |
| Ferguson | 43 |
| Frontenac | 72 |
| Hannibal | 76 |
| Independence | 74 |
| Jefferson City | 75 |
| Jennings | 31 |
| Joplin | 53 |
| Kansas City | 39 |
| Kirksville | 72 |
| Kirkwood | 77 |
| Lee’s Summit | 78 |
| Maryland Heights | 79 |
| Mehlville | 73 |
| New Madrid | 84 |
| Poplar Bluff | 57 |
| Rolla | 58 |
| Springfield | 62 |
| St. Charles | 79 |
| St. Joseph | 47 |
| St. Louis | 58 |
| Ste. Genevieve | 83 |
Many residents report feeling safe in Blue Springs and appreciate the efforts of local law enforcement and community programs. Here in our neighborhood, we have a tight community as well!!
Visitors often find Blue Springs to be a welcoming and secure place, with its family-friendly parks and amenities.
In recent years, Blue Springs has seen stable crime rates, with some fluctuations typical of most communities.