Salina, KS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Salina, KS

What is Salina's overall crime grade, and what does it mean?

Salina earns an overall crime grade of B for 2026, which places it in a favorable position compared to many U.S. cities of similar size. A B grade indicates that Salina's crime rates are meaningfully below national averages, though not entirely without concern. For a city of approximately 46,706 residents with a population density of just 699 people per square mile, this grade reflects a community where the vast majority of residents go about daily life without incident. The relatively low density means crime is less concentrated than in urban cores, and the B grade signals that Salina is a genuinely safer-than-average place to live or visit.

How does Salina's crime rate compare to national benchmarks?

With an overall crime grade of B, Salina outperforms a significant share of American cities. Several socioeconomic indicators help explain this standing: an unemployment rate of just 4.1% — near full employment by most economists' standards — and a poverty rate of 11.6%, which is below the national average of roughly 12–13%. Research consistently links lower unemployment and moderate poverty rates to reduced violent and property crime. Salina's median household income of $49,870 and median home value of $133,446 also suggest a stable, working-class community where economic stress, while present for some residents, is not as severe as in higher-crime cities.

What types of crime are most common in Salina?

Like most mid-sized Kansas cities, Salina's crime profile is dominated by property crime rather than violent crime. Incidents such as theft, vehicle break-ins, and burglary account for the largest share of reported offenses. Vandalism and substance-related offenses also appear in local crime data, particularly in higher-density commercial corridors. Violent crimes — including assault and domestic disturbances — are monitored closely by the Salina Police Department and are reported at rates consistent with or below the national average for cities of this population. The city's B crime grade reflects the fact that while property crime is the primary concern, violent crime remains relatively contained.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Salina, KS?

While block-level crime grades vary across the city, areas such as Sunset Hills and Oakdale on Salina's west and southwest sides are frequently cited for their well-maintained residential character and lower incident reports. Neighborhoods near the Salina Regional Health Center corridor tend to benefit from higher foot traffic and institutional presence, which can deter opportunistic crime. The areas around North 9th Street and established subdivisions in the city's northern quadrant also show favorable safety profiles. Using Salina's interactive crime map allows you to filter incidents by type and time period, giving you a data-driven view of which specific blocks align best with your safety priorities.

Is Salina, KS a good place to live based on crime and cost of living?

From a combined safety-and-affordability perspective, Salina presents a compelling case. The city's B crime grade means you're choosing a community that statistically safer than average, while the median rent of $769/month and median home value of $133,446 make it one of the more affordable mid-sized cities in the Great Plains. A household income of $49,870 stretches further here than in higher cost-of-living metros, and the 4.1% unemployment rate suggests the local job market is reasonably healthy. Families, retirees, and young professionals alike tend to find that Salina's combination of low density (699 people per sq mi), moderate income levels, and a B-rated safety environment adds up to a high quality of life relative to its cost.

How can I use the Salina crime map to make smarter safety decisions?

The Salina crime map is most powerful when you use its filtering tools strategically. Start by selecting a 30- or 90-day window to identify recent patterns rather than historical anomalies. Filter by crime category — separating property crimes from violent incidents gives you a clearer picture of actual risk by neighborhood. Pay attention to heat map overlays, which visually cluster high-frequency zones so you can see at a glance whether a particular street or district sees repeated incidents. Cross-reference what you find with Salina's city-wide B grade as a baseline: if a specific block shows significantly more activity than surrounding areas, that's a signal worth noting. The Salina Police Department's official crime resources and platforms like CrimeMapping.com both offer this level of granularity for free.