Yes, I heard this on the local news one silly afternoon I got to really sit down in front of the tv. I was quite surprised because I thought other states have more crimes than we do here, apparently we are #1. 'Still keep my gun with me though...hubby said I am paranoid. Oh well...'can't win 'em all...Not unless you live in the drug dealing centers... KC or STL. Or in Columbia that the two are always fighting over for the traffic! Ugh!
Other than that, NO. - I have lived in four states in the last 13 years. Missouri is as safe as anywhere I have lived recently.
I do believe St. Louis ranked number one in the nation as I recall.