| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fort Scott/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 233 | n/a (estimate) | 3,106 | 2,407 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.6 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 53.3 | 45.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 29.2 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 24 | n/a | 320.0 | 335.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 373 | 415 | 370 |
| Burglary | 36 | n/a | 479.9 | 273.4 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 159 | n/a | 2,119.7 | 1,488.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 133.3 | 230.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 2,733 | 1,992 | 1,954 |
The Fort Scott crime rates are 33.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 28 violent crimes in Fort Scott (373 per 100,000 people), which is 0.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 205 property crimes (2733 per 100,000 residents) which is 39.8% higher than average.
The violent crime rate in Fort Scott closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 373 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Fort Scott as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Fort Scott experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Fort Scott residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 20% of Fort Scott residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 80% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Fort Scott, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Fort Scott presents a total crime rate that is 34% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Fort Scott experiences an average of 0.64 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 0.56 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Fort Scott. 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 Fort Scott has increased by 20.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 21.7%, while property crime has increased by 19.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Fort Scott.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Fort Scott crime rates. In Fort Scott, the poverty rate stands at 18.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Fort Scott crime rates. For instance, in Fort Scott, the population density stands at 1381.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Fort Scott, the average monthly rent stands at $701, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Fort Scott | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fulton, KS | 110 | 607 | 2,912 | 3,519 |
| Uniontown, KS | 354 | 628 | 3,012 | 3,640 |
| Mapleton, KS | 233 | 642 | 3,081 | 3,723 |
| Hepler, KS | 155 | 659 | 3,162 | 3,821 |
| Arcadia, KS | 410 | 671 | 3,219 | 3,890 |
| Bronaugh, MO | 193 | 752 | 3,606 | 4,358 |
| Richards, MO | 114 | 789 | 3,781 | 4,570 |
| Fort Scott, KS | 7,715 | 373 | 2,733 | 3,106 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Union, SC | 7,716 | 1,091 | 5,403 | 6,494 |
| Wellington, KS | 7,716 | 432 | 2,421 | 2,853 |
| Crookston, MN | 7,711 | 457 | 1,580 | 2,038 |
| Citrus Hills, FL | 7,711 | 145 | 877 | 1,022 |
| Waite Park, MN | 7,719 | 515 | 7,546 | 8,061 |
| Fort Scott, KS | 7,715 | 373 | 2,733 | 3,106 |
Here are the best places to live in Kansas
10 best cities to buy a new house in Kansas
See the best places to live in & around Fort Scott
10 Best cities in Kansas for employment