Most dangerous cities in Kansas research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Kansas.
We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 60 Kansas cities. Here are the results of our analysis:
The most dangerous city in Kansas is Merriam based on the most recent FBI crime data.
The violent crime rate in Kansas is 686 per 100k people.
The property crime rate in Kansas is 5,655 per 100k people.
The most dangerous places in Kansas will need more than a pair of ruby-red slippers to turn their situations around. They’re going to need to get tougher on crime.
Kansas might not be in the top ten most dangerous states in the country, but it definitely has its fair share of dangerous places. So, if you’re looking to move to this flyover state in the Midwest, you should take a look into our research of the most dangerous places in Kansas for 2023.
To determine the most dangerous cities in Kansas, we consulted the FBI’s latest crime report for violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. Some of the Kansas cities on this list had some increase in the rate of crime this year.
And to make matters worse, the list seems to be centered around the bigger cities in The Jayhawker State. Cities like Wichita and Hutchinson can’t catch a break.
We’re talking about the kind of crime that will get you on Topeka’s KSNT at six and Overland Park’s Crimestoppers at ten. The breakdown begins in Kansas’ most dangerous cities.
Population: 10,928 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 686 (Sixth most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,655 (Most dangerous) Murders: 2 More on Merriam:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
The residents of Merriam have something to celebrate this year. Their town has dropped from last year, and that number is mainly due to a drop in this city’s violent crime. People who live here still have to keep an eye out for their valuables because they have a 1 in 17 chance of having something stolen like a car, cell phone, purse or wallet.
Located on the Missouri River on the Missouri-Kansas border, Merriam also ranks as one of the best places for singles in Kansas. So, if you’re single and you’re in the Kansas City metropolitan area, you have a good chance of finding your soulmate, but make sure you keep an eye on your valuables.
Population: 5,302 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 829 (Fourth most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,923 (Fifth most dangerous) Murders: 0 More on Iola:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
For a town of 5,302, you’d think crime would be lower, but residents have a 1 in 25 chance of getting their property stolen and a 1 in 120 chance of being a victim of a violent crime such as rape, murder and aggravated assault. Make sure to keep a close eye on your belongings and to be on the lookout for suspicious characters in this small town.
Population: 125,658 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 963 (Second most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,707 (Seventh most dangerous) Murders: 13 More on Topeka:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Situated along the Kansas River in northeast Kansas, Topeka moved up from last year to be one of the most dangerous places in Kansas for 2023. Topeka also ranks for being one of the most ghetto cities in Kansas and one of the
Population: 9,369 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 704 (Fifth most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,831 (Sixth most dangerous) Murders: 0 More on Parsons:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Parsons was a railroad town. Like, such a railroad town that it was named after a railroad executive from the 1800s. It also served as the home for one of the founders of iconic motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson..
So Parsons has a long tradition tied to the concept of transportation. That’s good: you might want to get out of town quickly. By rail, by motorcycle — whatever. Given the crime rate here, criminals need options when fleeing authorities and repeated victims need a way to get to safer communities. Either way, they need a way out of the number 4 most crime-laden town in Kansas.
Population: 394,286 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 930 (Third most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,523 (Eighth most dangerous) Murders: 31 More on Wichita:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Wichita makes the top of the list again this year as the number 7 most dangerous place to live in Kansas for 2023. Residents of Wichita have a 1 in 28 chance of being involved in a property crime, especially personal property theft. Ranked third highest in violent crime, residents need to be on guard against aggravated assault, rape and murder.
Home to a large aircraft production hub, this city is known as the Air Capital of the World. Birthplace of Pizza Hut and White Castle, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas. So, if you’re going out for a late-night pizza or sliders in this big city, make sure you keep your guard up and your valuables close.
Population: 21,927 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 994 (Most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,841 (14th most dangerous) Murders: 2 More on Junction City:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Although Junction City made the most dangerous cities in Kansas lists, its residents can celebrate that their property crime has gone down from last year. But, they are still ranked highest for violent crime. That means residents have a 1 in 100 chance of being a victim of a major crime, particularly aggravated assault.
Located in Geary County where the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers meet, Junction City is a wholesale shipping center for wheat and dairy. Near Fort Riley, Junction City was a trading town during the days of George Custer and the Seventh Cavalry.
Population: 8,788 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 591 (Ninth most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,470 (Ninth most dangerous) Murders: 2 More on Coffeyville:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Coffeyville is a smaller town with a population of 8,788 people, and Coffeyville’s residents have something to be happy about this year. This town also ranks as one of the worst places to live and poorest places to live in Kansas.
Now, the name of this old cowtown may not be familiar to you, but it’s famous for bringing down the Dalton Gang in 1892. Coffeyville residents wouldn’t stand for their banks being robbed. So, they grabbed their guns and took down every gang member, except for one. Let’s hope they can band together again and bring these numbers down further.
Population: 20,774 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 486 (15th most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,269 (Third most dangerous) Murders: 4 More on Pittsburg:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Pittsburg, the eighth most dangerous place to live in Kansas, faces significant safety challenges due to its crime statistics. With a population of 20,774, this city in Crawford County has experienced 101 violent crimes, including 4 murders, 15 rapes, 8 robberies, and 74 aggravated assaults. Additionally, Pittsburg has seen 887 property crimes, such as burglaries and thefts.
Located in southeast Kansas near the Missouri state border, Pittsburg sits within Crawford County. As the most populous city in the county and southeast Kansas, it is home to a diverse community. With an area of 12.90 square miles, Pittsburg lies in the Ozark Highlands region, characterized by a mix of prairie and forests. Despite its current challenges, Pittsburg’s location offers opportunities for growth and development, making it possible for the city to overcome its dangerous reputation and cultivate a safer future for its residents.
Population: 9,787 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 470 (17th most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,924 (Second most dangerous) Murders: 2 More on Mission:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Part of the urban sprawl surrounding Kansas City, Mission sits southwest of the center of one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the Midwest. As a result, the 9,787 residents have quick access to fantastic amenities — a 15 minute drive will take them downtown.
Unfortunately, there’s a downside to the city life. Mission also represents the number 9 most dangerous location in Kansas. Luckily, the statistics on violent crime are relatively tame. However, property crime rates are extremely high, including large numbers of larcenies and car thefts.
Population: 8,402 Violent Crimes Per 100k: 559 (11th most dangerous) Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,201 (12th most dangerous) Murders: 0 More on Independence:Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Independence ranks as one of the most dangerous cities and one of the worst places to live in Kansas. Although there were only 47 violent crimes and 269 property crimes, for such a small town, that’s some big numbers. Independence’s residents have a 1 in 31 chance of being involved in a burglary, car theft, larceny, or arson and a 1 in 178 chance of being a victim of rape, murder, or aggravated assault.
Located in Montgomery County in the Southeast part of Kansas, Independence is home to the Neewollah Festival, where a town of 8,402 becomes a town of 80,000 during Halloween time. Home to Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame this small town is wilder than it should be.
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Kansas for 2023?
Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Kansas. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Kansas, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.
In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Kansas cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 60 cities in Kansas.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 60 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Kansas — Merriam. Any ties went to the smaller city.
This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Kansas and is updated for 2023.
Yes, Kansas is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #16 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Kansas ranks 19th most dangerous in the United States — 14.94% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Sunflower State ranks 17th most dangerous in the United States — 12.52% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.
Yes, Wichita is a dangerous city. Wichita ranks as the #64 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Wichita might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Sherwood Glen is the safest in Wichita, while Murdock is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.
Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Wichita ranks 47th highest in America — 68.16% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 72nd highest in the United States — 29.13% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.
Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Kansas
Click To Enlarge
Summary: Locking It All Up In Kansas
So what is the most dangerous city in Kansas? After analyzing 60 cities in Kansas, Merriam takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Kansas based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Merriam ranks as the most dangerous city in Kansas for 2023.
We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Merriam and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.
There’s a direct correlation between Kansas places with high unemployment rates and crime.
But what is the most dangerous city in Kansas? The most dangerous place to live in Kansas for 2023 is Merriam per FBI data.
Now, if you live in Kansas’ safest city, Merriam, keep enjoying life. If you don’t, we suggest you look at the research below.
Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.
He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.
If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.
10 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Kansas”
Why is Galena on this list? You stated that you based this list on cities with 5k in population. You have Galena at a lil over 3k. Makes your list totally unreliable. One thing I hate as a writer, is when other writers make a list article set by rules then just dismiss their own rules.
Your info about Emporia on worst towns to live in Kansas was skimpy on hard numbers comparatively speaking and I am curious as to why. I am Emporia raised. Suicide rates there are higher than average as well.
LMAO…Topeka is by far the worse city to live in as far as crime goes.
1,010 reported burglaries , 4,727 thefts, 585 motor vehicle thefts, cop killers, we have had 5 police officers shot, 4 which have died in the line of duty.This is just since the beginning of this year. Drive by shootings every night. (had one a week ago across the street from me). 2 children died from these drive by’s. And just today, we had a female officer get dragged by a person she had pulled over and after dragging her, he shot her. Crime Index states on a scale from 1 to 100 (100 being the safest) Topeka is 5, meaning safer than 5% of the cities in the U.S. Yep here is the proof. http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ks/topeka/crime/
Coffeyville is probably on this list because it went through a massive economic downturn when Amazon closed it’s fulfillment center there about 2-3 years ago.
I myself was and am happy that I made it out of Parsons twice a live or not locked away. And I also remember as a child when living in Parsons you could leave the doors to your house unlocked. Always wondered where did that town we always labeled PK go wrong, the only thing I could come up with is the corrupt city officials that are sworn in to run this town, it’s never been the people or a curtain type of people I’m SMH.
Matt O’Hara the problem with Parsons it have brief gang infestation got a Police Chief Spinks he has done a lot to help. See it report it has helped a lot. Parsons is still a nice city I work there have a lot of family in Parsons.
Atchison has had multiple stings for drugs (organized) as well as murders. And Topeka is definitely bad as well as LV (Leavenworth) those are hells triangle cities. Witchita isn’t any punk either. Surprised KC isn’t on here. Just suburbs.
Why is Galena on this list? You stated that you based this list on cities with 5k in population. You have Galena at a lil over 3k. Makes your list totally unreliable. One thing I hate as a writer, is when other writers make a list article set by rules then just dismiss their own rules.
Your info about Emporia on worst towns to live in Kansas was skimpy on hard numbers comparatively speaking and I am curious as to why. I am Emporia raised. Suicide rates there are higher than average as well.
LMAO…Topeka is by far the worse city to live in as far as crime goes.
1,010 reported burglaries , 4,727 thefts, 585 motor vehicle thefts, cop killers, we have had 5 police officers shot, 4 which have died in the line of duty.This is just since the beginning of this year. Drive by shootings every night. (had one a week ago across the street from me). 2 children died from these drive by’s. And just today, we had a female officer get dragged by a person she had pulled over and after dragging her, he shot her. Crime Index states on a scale from 1 to 100 (100 being the safest) Topeka is 5, meaning safer than 5% of the cities in the U.S. Yep here is the proof. http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ks/topeka/crime/
I am so glad that my family is moving out of topeka and to a small town with little crime
Coffeyville is probably on this list because it went through a massive economic downturn when Amazon closed it’s fulfillment center there about 2-3 years ago.
I myself was and am happy that I made it out of Parsons twice a live or not locked away. And I also remember as a child when living in Parsons you could leave the doors to your house unlocked. Always wondered where did that town we always labeled PK go wrong, the only thing I could come up with is the corrupt city officials that are sworn in to run this town, it’s never been the people or a curtain type of people I’m SMH.
Matt O’Hara the problem with Parsons it have brief gang infestation got a Police Chief Spinks he has done a lot to help. See it report it has helped a lot. Parsons is still a nice city I work there have a lot of family in Parsons.
It is pronounced Lev-in-worth, not Lee-ven-worth and Ar-Kansas City, not Arkansaw City.
Atchison has had multiple stings for drugs (organized) as well as murders. And Topeka is definitely bad as well as LV (Leavenworth) those are hells triangle cities. Witchita isn’t any punk either. Surprised KC isn’t on here. Just suburbs.
What about college st in Kansas Winfield