Atchison, KS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Atchison, KS

What is Atchison's overall crime grade for 2026?

Atchison earns an overall crime grade of B+ for 2026, which places it well above average for Kansas cities of comparable size. With a population of approximately 10,561 and a density of 508 residents per square mile, Atchison's crime profile is meaningfully better than many Midwestern cities in the same population bracket. The B+ grade reflects a community where the majority of neighborhoods experience low incident rates, and where property crime — the most common category nationwide — remains relatively contained. Residents in quieter corridors near the historic downtown district and along the Missouri River bluffs tend to report the highest sense of personal safety.

How does Atchison's crime rate compare to national and state averages?

Atchison's B+ crime grade indicates that it outperforms a substantial share of U.S. cities on overall safety metrics. Nationally, cities with poverty rates around 16.9% and unemployment near 5.3% often see elevated property crime, yet Atchison's figures remain comparatively moderate. Kansas as a whole has pockets of higher urban crime concentrated in larger metros, which makes Atchison's performance stand out. Property crimes — including theft and vehicle break-ins — account for the largest share of incidents locally, consistent with national patterns where property offenses typically outnumber violent crimes by a ratio of roughly 4-to-1. Violent crime in Atchison represents a small minority of total reported incidents, keeping the city's overall grade firmly in the B+ range.

What types of crime are most common in Atchison?

Property crime is the dominant category in Atchison's incident data, mirroring trends seen across small U.S. cities. Within property crime, theft and larceny make up the largest share of reported offenses, followed by vehicle-related incidents and occasional residential burglary. Vandalism and mischief represent a secondary tier of reported activity, often concentrated around commercial corridors and public spaces. Violent crime — including assault and robbery — accounts for a notably smaller percentage of total incidents and is not evenly distributed across the city; certain residential pockets see near-zero violent incidents annually. The city's median household income of $47,742 and median rent of $664 suggest an economically mixed population, which can correlate with localized property crime clusters in higher-density rental areas.

Which neighborhoods in Atchison are considered safest?

Based on available community data, areas in North Atchison and the Westside corridors are frequently cited as among the quieter, more family-oriented parts of the city. Neighborhoods situated near the Missouri River and the historic downtown district benefit from higher foot traffic, active community engagement, and proximity to civic institutions — all factors associated with lower opportunistic crime. Suburban residential streets in these zones tend to report fewer property incidents than higher-density rental blocks closer to commercial arterials. That said, Atchison's overall B+ grade means that even its more active crime areas remain within a manageable range relative to state and national benchmarks. Consulting the interactive crime map on this page allows you to filter by neighborhood and incident type for the most granular 2026 picture.

Is Atchison a safe place to live or visit in 2026?

By the numbers, yes — Atchison's B+ crime grade makes it a relatively safe choice for both residents and visitors. For context, a B+ places Atchison in roughly the top 35% of U.S. cities for overall safety when controlling for population size. The city's population of 10,561 is small enough that law enforcement can maintain meaningful community presence, and the Atchison Police Department actively publishes crime reports to keep residents informed. Economically, a median home value of $99,545 keeps homeownership accessible, and the city's tight-knit character — exemplified by its identity as the birthplace of Amelia Earhart — supports neighborhood watch participation and community vigilance. Visitors exploring downtown, the riverfront, or local museums can do so with confidence, particularly during daylight hours and in well-trafficked areas. As with any city, exercising standard precautions — securing vehicles, locking doors, and staying aware of surroundings — remains advisable regardless of the strong overall grade.

How does Atchison's poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

Atchison's poverty rate of 16.9% is above the national median and is a factor worth understanding in context. Research consistently shows a correlation between concentrated poverty and property crime rates, and Atchison is no exception — blocks with higher rental density and lower median incomes tend to see a disproportionate share of theft and vandalism incidents. However, the city's B+ overall grade demonstrates that this correlation has not translated into a broadly unsafe environment. Several mitigating factors help: the city's low population density of 508 per square mile limits the anonymity that enables crime in larger urban cores, and community institutions — churches, schools, civic organizations — remain active. The unemployment rate of 5.3%, while slightly above recent national lows, has not produced the crime spikes seen in cities with structural long-term joblessness. Taken together, the data suggests Atchison manages its socioeconomic challenges more effectively than its poverty rate alone might predict.