South Area Neighborhood, Wichita
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Wichita
Safety at a Glance
Is South Area Safe?
South Area in Wichita, KS has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 93, which is 7% below the national average of 100. South Area is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Wichita.
Compared to the Wichita average (crime index 125), South Area is 32% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Wichita as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 169, 69% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 77). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, South Area is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
South Area Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Wichita city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
How South Area Compares
Crime index by category: South Area vs Wichita average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Area Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
South Area Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Area, Wichita?
South Area in Wichita, KS has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 93, which is 7% below the national average. Compared to the Wichita average, crime in South Area is 32% lower. South Area is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Wichita.
Is South Area a safe neighborhood in Wichita?
South Area is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Wichita, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 169), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 77).
How does South Area compare to the rest of Wichita?
South Area's overall crime index is 93, compared to the Wichita average of 125. This means crime in South Area is 32% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 91, and for property crime it is 130. 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 South Area?
The most prevalent crime type in South Area is Burglary, with a crime index of 169 (69% 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 South Area?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oakview, South Seneca United, South City and K-15. These areas are close to South Area and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Area?
South Area has a population of approximately 6,346. The median household income is $66,147. The median home value is $122,991. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Area crime compare to the national average?
South Area's overall crime rate is 7% below the national average (index 93 vs 100). Within Wichita, it is safer than 60% 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 March 2026.