Topeka, KS Crime Rate & Safety

Topeka, KS has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 20% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 324 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 54 chance for property crime. Topeka has lower crime than 50% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Topeka is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 85% of the city's 27 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Westboro is one of the safest areas, while Monroe has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Topeka is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Topeka are Westboro, Randolph, McAlister Parkway, Potwin, and Kenwood. 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 Topeka include Monroe, Central Park, Tennessee Town, Old Town, and Historic Holiday Park North. 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 Topeka is 308.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 19% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 324 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.1 per 100K (17% below average); aggravated assault at 213.5 per 100K (20% below average); robbery at 62.7 per 100K (15% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Topeka is 1,838.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 0% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 54 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 216.8 per 100K (20% below average); larceny/theft at 1,335.1 per 100K (5% below average); vehicle theft at 287.0 per 100K (10% below average).

Topeka's overall crime rate is 20% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (5% below average), while assault is 20% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Topeka has lower crime than 50% of them.

Topeka is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 0% below 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 Westboro, Randolph, McAlister Parkway.

Kansas as a whole has crime that is 17% above the national average. Topeka's crime rate is 20% below the national average, making it safer the typical Kansas city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Topeka, with an estimated rate of 1,335.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 5% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,839 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (309 per 100K) in Topeka, which is consistent with national trends.