Topeka, KS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Topeka, KS

Is Topeka, KS safe to live in?

By the numbers, Topeka earns an overall crime grade of B- and a city-wide safety rating of B (Safe) — a strong result for a Midwestern capital city of roughly 145,700 residents. Of the 27 neighborhoods analyzed for 2026, 55.6% received an A grade and another 29.6% earned a B, meaning 85% of Topeka neighborhoods fall into the "safe" tier. Not a single neighborhood in the dataset received a D or F. Areas like Westboro (A+), Potwin (A), and Kenwood (A) consistently rank among the safest, while even the city's higher-crime pockets — Monroe (C-) and Central Park (C+) — remain in the mid-range nationally. For most residents, day-to-day life in Topeka is safe and stable.

What is the crime rate in Topeka, KS in 2026?

Rather than a single number, Topeka's crime picture is best understood through its grade distribution across 27 analyzed neighborhoods. 15 neighborhoods (55.6%) earned an A, 8 neighborhoods (29.6%) earned a B, and only 4 neighborhoods (14.8%) landed in the C range — none lower. The city's overall grade of B- places it comfortably above average for a U.S. city of its size and density (790 residents per square mile). Higher-crime areas are concentrated in a handful of districts: Monroe is the lowest-graded at C-, followed by Central Park, Tennessee Town, and Old Town, each at C+. These neighborhoods represent roughly 15% of the city's analyzed areas, while the remaining 85% hold safe A or B ratings.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Topeka in 2026?

Ten neighborhoods stand out as Topeka's safest for 2026. Westboro leads the city with a rare A+ grade and a median household income of $91,515 — the highest in the dataset. Randolph (A, $69,580 median income) and Potwin (A, $82,986) follow closely, both offering low crime and strong economic indicators. Kenwood (A, $82,156) and College Hill (A, $64,011) are popular with families, while Central Topeka (A) — the largest safe neighborhood at 5,467 residents — demonstrates that safety isn't limited to small enclaves. Rounding out the top tier are McAlister Parkway (A), Norton (A), Ellenwand (A-), and East End (A-). Notably, even Ellenwand, which has a lower median income of $37,350, still earns an A- safety grade, showing that crime levels and income don't always move in lockstep across Topeka's neighborhoods.

Which neighborhoods in Topeka have the most crime?

The four neighborhoods with the highest crime grades in Topeka's 2026 analysis are Monroe (C-), Central Park (C+), Tennessee Town (C+), and Old Town (C+). Historic Holiday Park North earns a B-, placing it just below the city average but still in the broadly safe category. It's worth emphasizing that even Topeka's highest-crime neighborhoods grade out at C- at worst — no neighborhood in the city received a D or F. For context, 85% of the city's neighborhoods are rated A or B, so areas in the C range represent a relatively small share of Topeka's overall footprint. Residents and renters evaluating these districts should weigh the crime grade alongside other factors like proximity to employment, transit, and housing costs.

Is Topeka a good place to live in 2026?

Topeka offers a compelling combination of affordability and safety that's increasingly rare in mid-sized American cities. The median home value of $104,381 and median rent of $815/month make it one of the more accessible housing markets in the region, especially when paired with an overall crime grade of B- and a city-wide safety rating of B. The median household income of $49,647 and an unemployment rate of 4.9% reflect a working economy, though a poverty rate of 13.9% signals ongoing economic challenges in certain pockets. For families, neighborhoods like Westboro, College Hill, and Kenwood — all graded A — offer strong safety profiles. For those prioritizing walkability or urban character, Central Topeka (A) and East End (A-) provide safe options with more density. Overall, with 85% of neighborhoods rated safe and zero neighborhoods receiving a D or F, Topeka holds up well as a livable, affordable city in 2026.

How does Topeka's safety compare across income levels?

Topeka's safety data reveals an interesting pattern: while higher-income neighborhoods do tend to earn top grades, safety is not exclusively tied to wealth. Westboro, with the city's highest median income at $91,515, earns an A+ — consistent with the national trend. But Ellenwand, with a median income of just $37,350 (well below the city median of $49,647), still earns an A- safety grade. Similarly, East End (A-) has a median income of $47,079, slightly below the city average, yet remains firmly in the safe tier. The neighborhoods with C grades — Monroe, Central Park, Tennessee Town, and Old Town — do tend to have lower income levels, but the relationship is not absolute. This suggests that community factors, neighborhood density, and local investment also play meaningful roles in shaping safety outcomes across Topeka's 27 analyzed neighborhoods.