| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ottawa/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 160 | n/a (estimate) | 1,260 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 31.5 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 7.9 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 110.2 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 150 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 149.6 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 120 | n/a | 944.7 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 15.7 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 141 | n/a (estimate) | 1,110 | 1,956 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ottawa is 40.6% lower 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 Ottawa, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 150 per 100,000 individuals, 58.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 141 property crimes, amounting to 1110 per 100,000 residents, 36.9% lower than the U.S. average.
Ottawa 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.
Is Ottawa 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, Ottawa has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 41%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.44 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ottawa as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Ottawa has decreased by 18.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Ottawa 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 decreased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 10.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Ottawa.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Ottawa, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Ottawa has a population density of 1275 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 Ottawa crime rates.
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 Ottawa are $1,153, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
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 | Ottawa | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Edgerton, KS | 1,800 | 142 | 633 | 775 |
| Wellsville, KS | 1,998 | 104 | 676 | 780 |
| Pomona, KS | 1,233 | 193 | 862 | 1,055 |
| Baldwin City, KS | 4,845 | 161 | 1,148 | 1,309 |
| Princeton, KS | 214 | 578 | 2,574 | 3,152 |
| Richmond, KS | 544 | 580 | 2,586 | 3,166 |
| Lane, KS | 224 | 614 | 2,735 | 3,348 |
| Ottawa, KS | 12,572 | 150 | 1,110 | 1,260 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mays Chapel, MD | 12,573 | 180 | 880 | 1,060 |
| Eatontown, NJ | 12,568 | 267 | 1,841 | 2,108 |
| Princeton, TX | 12,578 | 274 | 844 | 1,118 |
| Holly Hill, FL | 12,579 | 308 | 1,638 | 1,945 |
| Harrison, WI | 12,579 | 156 | 646 | 801 |
| Ottawa, KS | 12,572 | 150 | 1,110 | 1,260 |
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