Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually keeping you safe, or just giving you a false sense of security? After having five different systems professionally installed in the same house, I discovered some shocking truths about what works and what's just marketing hype.
Springfield, Missouri—the Queen City of the Ozarks—offers residents that perfect blend of urban amenities and small-town charm that makes it such a special place to call home. The vibrant downtown, excellent parks system, and friendly community spirit are just a few reasons why people love living here.
But there's another side to Springfield that homeowners need to address. As someone who's spent months testing security systems here in 2025, I've learned that security concerns are very real. Property crime rates are a staggering 255% above the national average, while violent crime sits at 289% above average. With a crime grade of 0 (yes, zero), Springfield residents need to take home security seriously—whether you're among the 57.6% who own homes or the 42.4% who rent.
Having personally tested five different professionally installed security systems in the same house, I'm here to cut through the marketing noise and help you understand what actually matters when securing your Springfield home.
After months of testing, I've found that the most expensive system isn't necessarily the best. What matters is the relationship between value and reliability. A system that consistently works when you need it—without false alarms or connectivity issues—is worth its weight in gold.
National providers like ADT (installed by SafeStreets) and Vivint tend to charge more monthly, but their reliability metrics in my testing were significantly better than budget options. When your family's safety is on the line, that reliability premium starts to look like a bargain.
Here's something that surprised me: the security features you'll use most aren't necessarily the "security" features at all. Video doorbells and garage control consistently ranked as the most frequently used features across all five systems I tested.
In 2025, these aren't just nice-to-haves—they're essential. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere, or double-checking that you closed the garage after leaving for work, delivers daily peace of mind. The ADT integration with Google Nest and Vivint's proprietary doorbell cameras offered the most seamless experiences in my testing.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins. It's about comprehensive protection that includes fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and emergency response. The most effective systems I tested provided all-around protection that addressed multiple threats—not just intrusion.
Security technology has made impressive leaps in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a package delivery person, a neighbor, and a potential intruder with remarkable accuracy. Mobile apps have become incredibly intuitive, allowing granular control over every aspect of your system.
But some aspects of security remain timeless. Proper sensor placement, redundant communication methods (cellular backup is non-negotiable), and professional monitoring still form the foundation of any effective system.
The integration capabilities of today's systems are truly impressive. Your security system can now seamlessly communicate with your smart home ecosystem, adjusting lighting, temperature, and even appliances based on whether you're home, away, or asleep.
ADT operates through a network of authorized dealers (like SafeStreets in Springfield) who sell and install their equipment. What many don't realize is that ADT maintains their own monitoring centers—six redundant facilities across the country that are UL-listed and staffed 24/7 by trained professionals. This isn't outsourced to third parties.
SafeStreets is essentially ADT's installation and sales arm in many markets. They're bound by ADT's strict installation standards and quality controls. When you purchase through SafeStreets, you're getting ADT equipment, ADT monitoring, and installation professionals trained to ADT specifications.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own equipment—a vertically integrated approach that allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a higher price point. Their smart home integration is particularly impressive, with proprietary equipment designed to work seamlessly together.
Many local Springfield security companies actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands. They may install ADT equipment or use Alarm.com as their backend monitoring platform. This isn't necessarily bad—it often means you get national-quality monitoring with local service.
Alarm.com provides the technology backbone for many security providers nationwide. Their platform powers the apps and backend services for numerous local security companies, which is why many different brands' apps look surprisingly similar.
Even as a tech writer who's comfortable with complex technology, I strongly recommend professional installation for security systems. During my testing, I watched professionals place sensors in locations I would never have considered—like the specific corner of a window that's most vulnerable to forced entry.
Professional installers know things most homeowners don't:
The most common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
The statistics don't lie: Springfield's property crime rate is 255% higher than the national average, while violent crime sits at 289% above average. With a crime grade of 0, Springfield ranks among the most challenging cities for home security.
Both homeowners and the 42.4% of residents who rent need to take security seriously. For renters, wireless systems like SimpliSafe offer portable protection that can move with you. Homeowners should consider more comprehensive solutions from providers like SafeStreets or Vivint.
After months of testing, my conclusion is clear: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justify their slightly higher cost for most Springfield homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by nationwide monitoring centers, consistent service standards, and cutting-edge technology is invaluable when Springfield's crime statistics are so concerning.
Whatever you choose, please don't attempt to install a security system yourself. Professional installation ensures your system works correctly when you need it most—and in Springfield's security climate, that's not something to gamble with.
Springfield has a population of 295,230 and is located in Greene County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $37,491. Median home value is $122,202, and the median rent is $760/month. With a median age of 33.2 years old, 28.7% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 11.2% having an income over $100,000. 38.5% of households are married.
According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the racial breakdown was as follows:
Home security is more than just cameras that capture bad actors committing crimes. Smart home features such as automated lighting are underrated features that can prevent thefts before they happen.
Professional monitoring is a must, and the choice generally comes down to a balance between the latest technology, overall price, and the service you receive for installation and on-going maintenance.
Our pick for the best home security system is ADT, with its exceptional reputation for customer satisfaction and professional installation, followed closely by Vivint which while slightly more expensive, has the most advanced security technology for your home.
SimpliSafe is our home security system recommendation for renters with its great balance of features and value, while offering minimal installation effort and reasonably priced professional monitoring.
