Kansas City, KS Crime Rate & Safety

Kansas City, KS has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 40% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 184 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 34 chance for property crime. Kansas City has higher crime than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Kansas City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 83% of the city's 23 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Wolcott is one of the safest areas, while Northeast has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Kansas City is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Kansas City are Wolcott, Morris, I 435 / West Kansas City, Prairie / Piper, and Edwardsville. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Kansas City include Northeast, Quindaro Bluffs, Rosedale, Coronado, and Northwest. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Kansas City is 544.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 184 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.9 per 100K (38% above average); aggravated assault at 378.3 per 100K (41% above average); robbery at 105.2 per 100K (42% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Kansas City is 2,962.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 62% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 34 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 366.3 per 100K (36% above average); larceny/theft at 2,125.2 per 100K (52% above average); vehicle theft at 470.7 per 100K (48% above average).

Kansas City's overall crime rate is 40% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (61% above average), while burglary is 36% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Kansas City has higher crime than 85% of them.

Visitors to Kansas City should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 62% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Wolcott, Morris, I 435 / West Kansas City.

Kansas as a whole has crime that is 17% above the national average. Kansas City's crime rate is 40% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Kansas city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Kansas City, with an estimated rate of 2,125.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 52% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,962 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (544 per 100K) in Kansas City, which is consistent with national trends.