Safest cities in Kansas

Known as the 'Sunflower State,' Kansas is located in the heart of the United States, offering a blend of picturesque prairies, rolling hills, and bustling urban centers. Its central location makes it a key agricultural hub, producing significant amounts of wheat, corn, and soybeans. Kansas's economy is also bolstered by industries such as aviation, manufacturing, and energy, with major cities like Wichita playing a pivotal role in aerospace engineering. The state's rich cultural heritage is showcased in numerous museums, historical sites, and annual festivals. Kansas is also home to several renowned universities, contributing to a vibrant college sports scene, particularly in basketball, where the University of Kansas Jayhawks have earned national acclaim.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Kansas, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Kansas's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions Kansas has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Ulysses Population: 5,518 330 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 191 Property Crime / 100k: 139 chance of being a victim: 1 in 303
Ulysses proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Kansas. With only 330 crimes per 100,000 people, Ulysses has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Kansas average. This equates to an average of 0.05 crimes per day and a 1 in 303 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.
Eudora Population: 6,551 509 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 77 Property Crime / 100k: 432 chance of being a victim: 1 in 196
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Eudora comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Kansas with a crime rate of 509 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 77 counts of burglary, 340 counts of theft, 15 counts of vehicle theft, 46 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 31 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Eudora, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
Tonganoxie Population: 5,357 651 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 103 Property Crime / 100k: 548 chance of being a victim: 1 in 154
With a population of 5,357 and a total crime rate of 651 per 100,000 residents, Tonganoxie is the 3rd safest city in Kansas. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 94% lower than the Kansas average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.
Basehor Population: 6,225 769 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 119 Property Crime / 100k: 649 chance of being a victim: 1 in 130
With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Basehor is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 769, 92% lower than the Kansas average. This amounts to 0.16 crimes per day and a 1 in 130 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Basehor a highly desirable and safe place to call home.
Gardner Population: 21,936 931 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 155 Property Crime / 100k: 776 chance of being a victim: 1 in 107
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Gardner consistently ranks high in safety. In Gardner, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 931, which is 76% lower than the state average.
Valley Center Population: 7,843 1,099 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 174 Property Crime / 100k: 925 chance of being a victim: 1 in 91
Valley Center has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Kansas. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,099 crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Kansas average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 54 reports of burglary, 750 reports of theft, 121 reports of vehicle theft, 121 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 54 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.
Haysville Population: 11,260 1,247 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 115 Property Crime / 100k: 1,132 chance of being a victim: 1 in 80
Haysville ranks as the seventh safest city in Kansas and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 80 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.39 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Haysville’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Kansas.
Spring Hill Population: 6,992 1,285 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 144 Property Crime / 100k: 1,141 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Spring Hill is the 8th safest city in Kansas. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the Kansas average, reporting a total of 1,285 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.
Andover Population: 13,609 1,420 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 133 Property Crime / 100k: 1,288 chance of being a victim: 1 in 70
Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Andover is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Kansas, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,420 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 84% lower than the state average.
Lansing Population: 11,955 1,429 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 250 Property Crime / 100k: 1,179 chance of being a victim: 1 in 70
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Kansas, is Lansing. With a low rate of crime that included 134 burglaries, 911 thefts, 134 vehicle thefts, 161 assaults, 0 robberies, 89 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 89% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Kansas

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Property Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Ulysses 5,518 191 139 330
2 Eudora 6,551 77 432 509
3 Tonganoxie 5,357 103 548 651
4 Basehor 6,225 119 649 769
5 Gardner 21,936 155 776 931
6 Valley Center 7,843 174 925 1,099
7 Haysville 11,260 115 1,132 1,247
8 Spring Hill 6,992 144 1,141 1,285
9 Andover 13,609 133 1,288 1,420
10 Lansing 11,955 250 1,179 1,429
11 Olathe 139,216 224 1,208 1,432
12 Liberal 19,025 363 1,079 1,442
13 Abilene 6,258 216 1,233 1,449
14 Prairie Village 22,255 145 1,331 1,476
15 Paola 5,634 189 1,326 1,515
16 Mulvane 6,025 102 1,490 1,593
17 Bel Aire 8,082 47 1,605 1,651
18 Shawnee 65,844 250 1,406 1,656
19 Colby 5,426 401 1,330 1,731
20 Lenexa 54,804 221 1,518 1,739
21 Dodge City 27,186 402 1,617 2,019
22 McPherson 13,066 260 1,790 2,050
23 Leawood 34,702 128 1,953 2,081
24 Ottawa 12,308 389 1,891 2,280
25 Derby 24,428 228 2,185 2,412
26 El Dorado 12,976 289 2,137 2,426
27 Bonner Springs 7,846 492 2,121 2,613
28 Overland Park 193,412 222 2,394 2,617
29 Lawrence 97,348 469 2,195 2,664
30 Hutchinson 40,669 472 2,237 2,709
31 Great Bend 15,224 408 2,324 2,732
32 Wellington 7,716 432 2,421 2,853
33 Maize 5,044 367 2,582 2,948
34 Leavenworth 36,129 630 2,335 2,965
35 Atchison 10,561 319 2,657 2,977
36 Augusta 9,363 324 2,701 3,025
37 Winfield 11,990 401 2,689 3,091
38 Fort Scott 7,715 373 2,733 3,106
39 Garden City 26,403 574 2,567 3,141
40 Arkansas City 11,767 496 2,773 3,268
41 Newton 18,846 644 2,678 3,321
42 Concordia 5,005 540 2,979 3,519
43 Salina 46,706 440 3,247 3,687
44 Independence 8,595 559 3,202 3,761
45 Junction City 22,616 994 2,841 3,835
46 Park City 7,654 432 3,468 3,900
47 Coffeyville 9,343 592 3,471 4,062
48 Roeland Park 6,747 340 3,949 4,289
49 Wichita 390,566 931 3,524 4,454
50 Parsons 9,648 704 3,832 4,536

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Kansas is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Kansas cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.