F
62%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
51%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
64%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleIndependence/100k peopleKansas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime316n/a (estimate)3,7612,4072,324
Murder0n/a0.04.66.3
Rape8n/a95.245.540.0
Robbery3n/a35.729.266.1
Assault36n/a428.5335.4268.2
Violent crime47n/a (estimate)559415370
Burglary51n/a607.0273.4269.8
Theft205n/a2,439.91,488.71,401.9
Vehicle theft13n/a154.7230.2282.7
Property crime269n/a (estimate)3,2021,9921,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Independence, KS

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Independence crime rate is higher than the national average by 61.8%. Specifically, there were 47 violent crimes in Independence, equivalent to 559 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 51.3%. Furthermore, Independence recorded 269 property crimes, amounting to 3202 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 63.8%.

In the most recently reported crime year, Independence registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Independence?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Independence residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 38% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Independence were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 63% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Independence a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Independence a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Independence crime rate is 62% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.87 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 0.74 property crimes.

Has Crime in Independence Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Independence. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Independence has decreased by 28.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 27.7%, while property crime has decreased by 28.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Independence.

Potential Causes for Crime in Independence

Independence has a population density of 1120.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Independence crime rates.

In Independence, 85.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Independence, the cost of living is 22.24% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Independence crime map



The Independence crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Independence as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Independence crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Independence crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Independence, KS Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Independence crime rates are 62% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Independence are 51% higher than the national average
      • In Independence you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Independence is safer than 12% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Independence has decreased by 29%

      Independence, KS Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Independence

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        See all Independence poll results

        Daily Crime In Independence (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Independence, per 100,000 residents. In Independence, the total number of daily crimes is 1.56 times more than the Kansas average and 1.62 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Independence are 1.35 times more than the Kansas average and 1.51 times more than the national average. For property crime, Independence has a daily crime rate that is 1.61 times more than the Kansas average and 1.64 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Independence (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Independence in comparison to other Kansas communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Independence safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Independence being safer than 12% of cities in Kansas and 12% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Kansas cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Independence. In conclusion, Independence ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Independence

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Independence is 1 in 179
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Independence is 1 in 32
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Independence is 1 in 27
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Independence, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 179. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 32 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Independence is 1 in 27.

        Year Over Year Crime In Independence (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Independence is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Independence violent crime rates have decreased by 28%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 29% year over year. Total crimes for Independence has decreased by 29% in the same time frame.

        Independence police department

        Item Independence Kansas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)255,262558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.72.53.3
        There are a total of 25 Independence police officers. This results in 2.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 7.7% greater than the Kansas average and 18% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Kansas

        State Total offenders Kansas /100K National /100K
        Kansas9,632349266
        There are a total of 9,632 sex offenders in Kansas. This yields a total of 349 sex offenders in Kansas per 100,000 residents which is 31% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Neodesha, KS2,1273589851,343
        Cherryvale, KS2,1724191,7712,190
        Tyro, KS1815642,7073,271
        Dearing, KS4685862,8123,398
        Havana, KS686493,1173,767
        Elk City, KS2686713,2193,890
        Coffeyville, KS9,3435923,4714,062
        Independence, KS8,5955593,2023,761

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kings Grant, NC8,5963651,8622,228
        Barre, VT8,5905332,5933,125
        Fort Lupton, CO8,6006443,0213,666
        Lake Villa, IL8,6011931,1341,327
        New Square, NY8,5894992,0022,501
        Independence, KS8,5955593,2023,761
        Source: The Independence, KS crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.