Is Kansas Dangerous?
With a violent crime rate of 4.4 and a property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 people, Kansas is slightly more dangerous than the US average. Violent crime rates in Kansas are 16% higher than the national average, while property crimes are only 5% above the US average.
11 Most Dangerous Cities in Kansas
- Merrian
- Pittsburg
- Topeka
- Parsons
- Wichita
- Coffeyville
- Independence
- Kansas City
- Elwood
- Fort Scott
- Hutchinson
Merriam
The most dangerous city in Kansas is Merriam, which is located along I-35 in Northeast Johnson County, just eight miles south of downtown Kansas City. Merrian has a population of 10,966 and suffers from the worst crime rate in the state, which is 173% higher than the national average. Living here means you have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of crime, with larceny being the most common offense reported.
Pittsburg
Pittsburg is also one of the worst cities in Kansas due to its high crime rates, which are 105% above the national average. Despite this, it's home to Pittsburg State University and has a population of 20,658. The cost of living is notably lower than the national and state averages, though property crimes remain a major concern in the area to avoid in Kansas. Residents of Pittsburg have a 1 in 22 chance of being victims of a crime.
Topeka
Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, is number three on our list of the most dangerous cities in the state. With a population of 125,449, Topeka hosts numerous colleges, universities, technical schools, and branch campuses. Crime rates here are 101% higher than the national average, meaning there's a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson are the most common crimes reported in Topeka.
Parsons
Named after Levi Parsons, the president of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, Parsons is a city in Labette County, Kansas. It's home to Labette Community College and the Parsons State Hospital & Training Center. The population stands at 9,382. Crime rates in Parsons are 95% higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 23 chance of becoming victims of crime. Robbery is the most frequent crime reported in Parsons.
Wichita
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas with a population of 396,192 people, is home to several universities, including the largest, Wichita State University. However, it faces challenges with crime rates 92% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to crime, with larceny being the most common type. Wichita gained infamy as the childhood home of Dennis Rader, a notorious serial killer.
Coffeyville
Coffeyville, located in southeastern Montgomery County, Kansas, is the largest city in the county with a population of 8,690 people. It is home to Coffeyville Community College. Crime rates in Coffeyville are significantly higher than the national average (75% more than US avg), with a 1 in 25 chance of being a victim. The most common crimes include rape, murder, and aggravated assault, which involves assault with a deadly weapon.
Independence
Independence, a city in Montgomery County, Kansas, faces challenges with safety, being ranked as the 7th most dangerous city in the state. Its population of 8,436 residents contends with crime rates 62% higher than the national average. Larceny and aggravated assaults top the list of common crimes here. Despite these concerns, Independence Community College's main campus offers educational opportunities just two miles south of the city, aiming to uplift the community amidst these difficulties.
Kansas City
Located in the heart of America, Kansas City, Kansas, is a diverse city with a population of 153,345. It sits at Kaw Point, where the Missouri and Kansas rivers meet, offering a rich cultural tapestry. However, the city faces challenges, as crime rates are 60% higher than the national average. Residents here have a 1 in 27 chance of being victims of crimes like burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, and motor vehicle theft, which are the most common concerns.
Elwood
Elwood, a small city in Doniphan County, Kansas, sits just west of the Missouri River. With a population of 1,114, it ranks as number nine on our list of most dangerous Kansas cities. Crime rates here are 49% higher than the national average, meaning residents face a 1 in 29 chance of becoming crime victims.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott, named after Gen. Winfield Scott, is a town of 7,615 people in Kansas. It's known for the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Crime rates here are 34% higher than the national average, meaning there's a 1 in 33 chance of being a crime victim. The most common crime in Fort Scott is larceny.
Hutchinson
Hutchinson, the largest city in Reno County, wraps up our list of most dangerous cities in Kansas. Located on the Arkansas River, it's known as "Salt City" due to its historic salt mines since 1887. Hutchinson hosts Hutchinson Community College, the Cosmosphere Aerospace Museum, and Strataca Underground Salt Museum. With a population of 39,699, its crime rates are 17% higher than the national average, with aggravated assault being the most common crime. Living here means you have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a crime victim.