| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Parsons/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 403 | n/a (estimate) | 4,340 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 10.8 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 86.2 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 86.2 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 98 | n/a | 1,055.3 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 115 | n/a (estimate) | 1,238 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 51 | n/a | 549.2 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 227 | n/a | 2,444.5 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 107.7 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 288 | n/a (estimate) | 3,101 | 1,956 | 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 Parsons is 104.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 115 violent crimes reported in Parsons, equivalent to 1238 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 244.9%. Additionally, Parsons recorded 288 property crimes, amounting to 3101 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 76.2%.
Having a crime rate of 4340 per 100,000 residents, Parsons experiences a crime rate that is 104.79% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Parsons contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Parsons has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1238 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Parsons falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 81 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Parsons stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Parsons, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Parsons? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Parsons residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Parsons 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, Parsons has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 105%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.1 daily incidents, encompassing 0.32 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Parsons as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Parsons. 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 Parsons has increased by 4.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 69.1%, while property crime has increased by 9.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Parsons.
Parsons has a poverty rate that stands at 20.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Parsons crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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. Parsons, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 Parsons, the cost of living is 25.07% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Parsons | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 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 |
| Oswego, KS | 1,733 | 205 | 912 | 1,116 |
| Altamont, KS | 1,096 | 205 | 912 | 1,117 |
| Thayer, KS | 419 | 562 | 2,506 | 3,069 |
| St. Paul, KS | 561 | 602 | 2,682 | 3,284 |
| Mound Valley, KS | 294 | 615 | 2,742 | 3,358 |
| McCune, KS | 325 | 648 | 2,887 | 3,535 |
| Galesburg, KS | 127 | 689 | 3,071 | 3,760 |
| Parsons, KS | 9,975 | 1,238 | 3,101 | 4,340 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Villas, NJ | 9,976 | 243 | 1,593 | 1,837 |
| West Perrine, FL | 9,976 | 245 | 1,301 | 1,546 |
| Brookdale, NJ | 9,973 | 130 | 848 | 977 |
| Kensington, CT | 9,985 | 109 | 1,093 | 1,202 |
| Myers Corner, NY | 9,986 | 284 | 1,286 | 1,570 |
| Parsons, KS | 9,975 | 1,238 | 3,101 | 4,340 |
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