Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Oct 30th 2023
Sitting along the Mississippi River, Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and the state’s main economic hub. Some parts of the city, however, have earned a reputation for being hotspots for violent crime, theft, and even gang activity. Read on to discover the ten most dangerous neighborhoods in Kansas City. 

hash-mark10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Kansas City

  1. South Blue Valley
  2. Marlborough East
  3. Hidden Valley 
  4. Blue Hills
  5. Vineyard
  6. Santa Fe
  7. Manheim Park
  8. Central Blue Valley
  9. East Community Team North
  10. Oak Park Southwest

hash-mark1. South Blue Valley

The most dangerous neighborhood in Kansas City is South Blue Valley. This area is located in east Kansas City and is home to Blue Valley Park. Out of a population of 1,403, South Blue Valley has a crime rate that is 531% above the national average. Common crimes include homicide, robbery, car theft, and burglary. There is a gang presence in the area, which contributes to drug trafficking and prostitution in the area. The median income in South Blue Valley is 44% below the national average. 

hash-mark2. Marlborough East

Marlborough East is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Kansas City for crime. Marlborough East is an area in southern Kansas City where residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. With a population of 1,117, the crime rate in Marlborough East is 511% above the national average. Violent crime is a major concern in the area, with shootings, homicides, and armed robberies being common. Some efforts have been made to revitalize parts of the area, with varying degrees of success. 

hash-mark3. Hidden Valley 

Just south of Marlborough East, Hidden Valley is a high-crime neighborhood where residents have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming a victim. With a population of 1,588, Hidden Valley’s crime rate is 488% above the national average. Violent crime is exorbitantly high in the area, with homicides, robberies, and shootings being common. Other crimes like drug trafficking, burglary, and theft are common. Hidden Valley is a low-income neighborhood, with the average resident earning 53% above the national average. 

hash-mark4. Blue Hills

Blue Hills is a small area located south of downtown Kansas City where residents have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming a victim. With a population of 4,600, Blue Hills has a crime rate that is 467% above the national average. Many parts of the neighborhood struggle with burglaries and car thefts. Violent crime is a problem as well, with homicides and robberies occurring. The median income in Blue Hills is 25% below the national average, with many residents living below the poverty line. 

hash-mark5. Vineyard 

Vineyard is a neighborhood located on the far southeastern side of Kansas City. The neighborhood has a crime rate that is 424% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. In 2022, there were 12,303 recorded crimes, including 4,425 violent crimes and 7,878 property crimes. The average income is 28% below the national average, with schools in the area receiving poor ratings. 

hash-mark6. Santa Fe

Sante Fe is an area in southeast Kansas City that has longstanding issues with crime and poverty. With a population of 2,013, Sante Fe’s crime rate is 243% above the Kansas City average. Common types of crime include theft, burglary, homicide, assault, and robbery. Residents have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Other types of criminal activity include drug trafficking, gang activity, and prostitution. 

hash-mark7. Manheim Park

Manheim Park is an area in southern Kansas City where residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Out of a population of 1,523, Manheim Park has a crime rate that is 229% above the Kansas City average. Violent crime, gang activity, theft, robbery, and drug trafficking are just some of the types of crime that occur in the area. Schools in the area are poorly rated, with many residents facing poor employment prospects.

hash-mark8. Central Blue Valley

Central Blue Valley is an area in eastern Kansas City located above Blue Valley Park. Out of a population of 1,419, Central Blue Valley has a crime rate that is 225% above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming the victim of a crime, with the overall crime rate increasing each year. In 2022, there was a total of 10,899 criminal incidents recorded in the area. 

hash-mark9. East Community Team North

East Community Team North is an area located in eastern Kansas City. The neighborhood’s population is 3,155, with a crime rate that is 209% above the Kansas City average. Residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Violent crime is especially high, with murders, shootings, robberies, and assaults being common. East Community Team North struggles with poverty and unemployment, with the average resident earning 52% below the national average. 

hash-mark10. Oak Park Southwest 

Oak Park Southwest is an area in southern Kansas City with a crime rate that is 200% above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim of a crime, with crime rates increasing steadily each year. In 2022, there were 11,918 recorded incidents, including 4,432 violent crimes and 7,486 property crimes. The median income in Oak Park Southwest is 6% below the national average.