Kansas City, MO Crime Rate & Safety

Kansas City, MO has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 29% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 210 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 37 chance for property crime. Kansas City has higher crime than 82% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Kansas City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 71% of the city's 234 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Longview is one of the safest areas, while Citadel 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 Longview, Ward Estates, Unity Ridge, Timber Valley, and Sunset Hill West. 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 Citadel, Ivanhoe Northeast, Wendell Phillips, Mount Cleveland, and Vineyard 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 475.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 25% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 210 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.3 per 100K (27% above average); aggravated assault at 345.6 per 100K (29% above average); robbery at 84.5 per 100K (14% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Kansas City is 2,723.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 49% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 37 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 347.7 per 100K (29% above average); larceny/theft at 1,932.3 per 100K (38% above average); vehicle theft at 443.0 per 100K (39% above average).

Kansas City's overall crime rate is 29% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (39% above average), while robbery is 14% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Kansas City has higher crime than 82% of them.

Visitors to Kansas City should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 49% 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 Longview, Ward Estates, Unity Ridge.

Missouri as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Kansas City's crime rate is 29% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Missouri city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Kansas City, with an estimated rate of 1,932.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 38% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,723 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (475 per 100K) in Kansas City, which is consistent with national trends.