Downtown Neighborhood, Lawrence
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Lawrence
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Lawrence
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Downtown in Lawrence, KS has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 144, which is 44% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Lawrence.
Compared to the Lawrence average (crime index 102), Downtown is 42% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 157, 57% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 107).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Lawrence city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Assault
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Lawrence average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Lawrence?
Downtown in Lawrence, KS has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 144, which is 44% above the national average. Compared to the Lawrence average, crime in Downtown is 42% higher. Downtown is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Lawrence.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Lawrence?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Lawrence, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 157), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 107).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Lawrence?
Downtown's overall crime index is 144, compared to the Lawrence average of 102. This means crime in Downtown is 42% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 135, and for property crime it is 137. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 157 (57% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include East Lawrence, Old West Lawrence, Oread and West Hills. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 882. The median household income is $50,444. The median home value is $590,592. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 44% above the national average (index 144 vs 100). Within Lawrence, it is safer than 40% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.