Gardner, KS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Gardner, KS

What is Gardner's overall crime grade?

Gardner, KS earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer cities in Kansas and well above the national average for communities of its size. This strong grade reflects the city's combination of low poverty (6%), a healthy unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a median household income of $78,193 — all factors that research consistently links to lower crime rates. With a population of approximately 21,936 and a relatively modest density of 726 residents per square mile, Gardner maintains the tight-knit character that supports community vigilance and effective policing.

Is Gardner safe to live in?

Yes — Gardner's A- crime grade confirms it is a genuinely safe place to live. Both violent crime and property crime rates fall well below national benchmarks. The city's economic stability is a key driver: a poverty rate of only 6% (compared to roughly 12–13% nationally) and an unemployment rate of 3.3% reduce the socioeconomic pressures that tend to elevate crime in other communities. Neighborhoods throughout Gardner, including areas near Prairie Trace and Westview, consistently report low incident volumes. Residents generally feel comfortable in public spaces, parks, and shopping corridors, and the Gardner Police Department maintains an active presence that helps sustain that sense of security.

How does Gardner's crime rate compare to national averages?

Gardner outperforms national averages on nearly every crime metric, which is reflected in its A- overall grade. Nationally, roughly 1 in 4 Americans lives in a city with a crime grade of C or lower. Gardner's standing in the A range puts it in the top tier of U.S. cities by safety. Contributing factors include a median home value of $199,389 — indicating a stable, invested homeowner base — and a median rent of $1,100 that suggests a balanced housing market without the extreme affordability pressures seen in higher-crime metros. When you compare Gardner's 6% poverty rate to the U.S. average of approximately 12%, it becomes clear why the city consistently trends safer than most comparable suburban communities.

What types of crime are most common in Gardner?

As is typical for suburban cities earning an A- crime grade, property crimes — such as vehicle break-ins, minor theft, and occasional vandalism — represent the most frequently reported incident categories in Gardner. Violent crime is comparatively rare and well below national norms. The city's low population density of 726 people per square mile limits the concentration effects that drive higher crime in denser urban areas. Neighborhoods like Prairie Trace and Westview see the fewest incidents overall, while commercial corridors can see isolated property crime tied to retail activity. Gardner's crime map reflects this pattern clearly, with most incidents scattered and non-recurring rather than clustered into persistent hotspots.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Gardner?

Gardner's A- overall grade means safety is broadly distributed across the city rather than confined to a few pockets. Residential areas such as Prairie Trace and Westview are consistently recognized for their low incident rates, active neighborhood associations, and well-maintained housing stock — all hallmarks of communities where residents invest in their surroundings. Areas near Gardner City Park and the downtown district also report minimal crime activity and benefit from regular foot traffic and community programming that naturally deters opportunistic incidents. Prospective homebuyers can use the Gardner crime map to confirm that most residential zones carry strong safety profiles, consistent with the city's top-tier crime grade.

Does Gardner's economic profile affect its crime rate?

Significantly, yes. Gardner's economic indicators are strong across the board, and they directly support its A- crime grade. A median household income of $78,193 — well above the U.S. median of roughly $70,000 — means most residents have financial stability that reduces economic-stress-driven crime. The 6% poverty rate is less than half the national average, and the 3.3% unemployment rate signals a robust local labor market. A median home value of $199,389 reflects a community of engaged homeowners with a long-term stake in neighborhood safety. Research consistently shows that cities combining low poverty, low unemployment, and moderate-to-high incomes achieve exactly the kind of A-range crime outcomes Gardner demonstrates.

Is Gardner a good place for families?

Gardner ranks as an excellent choice for families, supported by hard data. Its A- crime grade means parents can feel confident about safety in parks, schools, and everyday community spaces. The median household income of $78,193 and median home value of $199,389 point to a financially stable community with quality housing options, while the median rent of $1,100 keeps the city accessible for younger families still building equity. With a poverty rate of just 6% and unemployment at 3.3%, the economic foundation that underpins safe neighborhoods is firmly in place. Neighborhoods like Prairie Trace and Westview offer the kind of low-traffic, residential calm that families prioritize, and Gardner's overall crime profile makes it one of the stronger suburban choices in the Kansas City metro area.