| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kansas City/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 31,834 | n/a (estimate) | 6,223 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 141 | n/a | 27.6 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 382 | n/a | 74.7 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,299 | n/a | 253.9 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6,092 | n/a | 1,190.9 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7,914 | n/a (estimate) | 1,547 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2,508 | n/a | 490.3 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 12,555 | n/a | 2,454.4 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8,857 | n/a | 1,731.5 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 23,920 | n/a (estimate) | 4,676 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Kansas City is 193.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 7914 violent crimes reported in Kansas City, equivalent to 1547 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 330.8%. Additionally, Kansas City recorded 23920 property crimes, amounting to 4676 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 165.7%.
With a crime rate of 6223 per 100,000 residents, Kansas City has a crime rate that is 193.66% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Kansas City that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Kansas City ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1547 per 100,000 people, Kansas City is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Kansas City, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Kansas City has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 141 murders in Kansas City, which is 28 murders per 100,000 people.
Kansas City reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4676 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 22 chance of falling victim to property crime in Kansas City, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Kansas City is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Kansas City reported a total of 8857 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1731 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 58, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Kansas City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 248 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 24% of Kansas City 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, 76% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Kansas City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Kansas City has a total crime rate that is 194% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 87.22 daily crimes (21.68 violent daily crimes and 65.53 daily property crimes) in Kansas City.
Year-over-year crime rates in Kansas City has increased by 10.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Kansas City is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 7%, while property crime has increased by 11.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Kansas City.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Kansas City, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 124 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Kansas City are areas such as Unity Ridge, Armour Hills and Blue Hills Estates, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Marlborough East, Ivanhoe Southeast and Santa Fe are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Kansas City crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Kansas City has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Kansas City, there are 4.03 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Kansas City are $1,480, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Kansas City | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,869 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Platte Woods, MO | 586 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Oakview, MO | 455 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lake Quivira, KS | 1,119 | 62 | 275 | 336 |
| Weatherby Lake, MO | 2,562 | 72 | 304 | 377 |
| Lake Tapawingo, MO | 999 | 0 | 519 | 519 |
| Fairway, KS | 4,086 | 144 | 385 | 530 |
| Parkville, MO | 7,398 | 117 | 736 | 853 |
| Kansas City, MO | 501,302 | 1,547 | 4,676 | 6,223 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Omaha, NE | 494,852 | 369 | 3,162 | 3,531 |
| Atlanta, GA | 514,426 | 176 | 905 | 1,081 |
| Raleigh, NC | 482,278 | 489 | 2,819 | 3,308 |
| Sacramento, CA | 520,516 | 755 | 2,547 | 3,302 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 481,855 | 716 | 3,449 | 4,164 |
| Kansas City, MO | 501,302 | 1,547 | 4,676 | 6,223 |
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