Overland Park, KS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Overland Park, KS

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 Overland Park is 12.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 437 violent crimes reported in Overland Park, equivalent to 222 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 39.9%. Additionally, Overland Park recorded 4708 property crimes, amounting to 2394 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 22.5%.

When assessing the total crime rate in Overland Park per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Overland Park, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Overland Park?

AreaVibes surveyed 59 local residents in Overland Park to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 78% of people answered that there was very little crime in Overland Park and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 22% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Overland Park a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Overland Park is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Overland Park has an overall crime rate that is 13% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 14.1 daily occurrences, comprising 1.2 violent crimes and 12.9 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Overland Park as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Overland Park Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park has increased by 7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7.2%, while property crime has increased by 8.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Overland Park.

Potential Causes for Crime in Overland Park

Overland Park has a population density of 2572.6 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 Overland Park crime rates.

In Overland Park, 95.2% 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.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Overland Park, the average monthly rent stands at $1,200, while the national average is $949 per month.

Overland Park crime map