Merriam, KS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Merriam, KS

The Merriam crime rates are 172.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 75 violent crimes in Merriam (686 per 100,000 people), which is 85.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 618 property crimes (5655 per 100,000 residents) which is 189.4% higher than average.

In Merriam, the crime rate stands at 6342 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 172.85%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Merriam that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Merriam stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Merriam, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 18 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.

Merriam has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5655 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Merriam is 1 in 18, which is far higher than the national average.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Merriam is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Merriam reported a total of 125 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1144 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 88, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

Is Merriam a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Merriam, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Merriam presents a total crime rate that is 173% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Merriam experiences an average of 1.9 daily crimes, comprising 0.21 violent incidents and 1.69 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Merriam Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Merriam has decreased by 5.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Merriam 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 1.3%, while property crime has decreased by 6.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Merriam.

Potential Causes for Crime in Merriam

In Merriam, 90.3% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The median home price in Merriam is $187,500, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Merriam, the average rental rates are $967 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Merriam crime map