| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Independence/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 340 | n/a (estimate) | 4,128 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 24.3 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 41 | n/a | 497.8 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 522 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 66 | n/a | 801.3 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 215 | n/a | 2,610.2 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 194.2 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 297 | n/a (estimate) | 3,606 | 1,956 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Independence is 94.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Independence, there were 43 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 522 per 100,000 individuals, 45.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 297 property crimes, amounting to 3606 per 100,000 residents, 104.9% higher than the U.S. average.
Independence has a crime rate of 4128 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 94.78%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Independence. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Independence showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Independence faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3606 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Independence stands at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Independence. Based on the results of the surveys (10 responses), 50% of people felt that there was very little crime in Independence and felt safe walking alone at night. While 50% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Independence a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Independence has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 95%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.93 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 0.81 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Independence as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Independence crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Independence has decreased by 23.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33.9% and property crime has decreased by 21.2%.
Independence has a poverty rate of 21, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Independence has a population density of 1158.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Independence crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Independence, 85.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Independence | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Neodesha, KS | 2,188 | 209 | 932 | 1,141 |
| Cherryvale, KS | 2,247 | 427 | 1,611 | 2,038 |
| Liberty, KS | 81 | 515 | 2,293 | 2,807 |
| Coffeyville, KS | 9,687 | 530 | 2,602 | 3,132 |
| Dearing, KS | 484 | 594 | 2,648 | 3,243 |
| Tyro, KS | 185 | 617 | 2,749 | 3,365 |
| Elk City, KS | 274 | 709 | 3,161 | 3,870 |
| Independence, KS | 8,817 | 522 | 3,606 | 4,128 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Manteno, IL | 8,817 | 174 | 338 | 512 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MT | 8,816 | 349 | 1,330 | 1,679 |
| Barre, VT | 8,816 | 646 | 2,931 | 3,577 |
| New Square, NY | 8,816 | 297 | 1,346 | 1,643 |
| Lake Park, FL | 8,814 | 580 | 6,865 | 7,445 |
| Independence, KS | 8,817 | 522 | 3,606 | 4,128 |
Here are the best places to live in Kansas
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Safest Cities In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US