Kansas City, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kansas City, MO

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 166.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 7538 violent crimes reported in Kansas City, equivalent to 1481 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 300.6%. Additionally, Kansas City recorded 23995 property crimes, amounting to 4715 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 141.3%.

With a crime rate of 6197 per 100,000 residents, Kansas City has a crime rate that is 166.62% 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.

With a violent crime rate of 1481 crimes per 100,000 residents, Kansas City is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Kansas City ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Kansas City stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Kansas City, there were a total of 166 murders, translating to 33 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

With a property crime rate of 4715 crimes per 100,000 people, Kansas City unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Kansas City is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

With a total of 6086 vehicle thefts last year, Kansas City has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1196 per 100,000 people. This lands Kansas City in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 84.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kansas City?

What do the local residents think about crime in Kansas City? Well, based on a recent survey of 235 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 24% of Kansas City residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 76% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Kansas City a Safe Place to Live?

Is Kansas City 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, Kansas City has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 167%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 86.39 daily incidents, encompassing 20.65 violent crimes and 65.74 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kansas City as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Kansas City Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kansas City. 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 Kansas City has increased by 9.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 1.9%, while property crime has increased by 11.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kansas City.

Kansas City Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Kansas City region comprises an array of over 143 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Kansas City are exemplars such as Stanford Gardens, Coleman Highlands and Verona Hills, whereas Hidden Valley, Blue Hills and Santa Fe grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kansas City

In Kansas City, the poverty rate currently stands at 15.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Kansas City crime rates.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Kansas City, the cost of living is 12.3% lower than the national average.

In Kansas City, the median home price stands at $163,300, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Kansas City crime map