South Central Neighborhood, Wichita
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 28% of neighborhoods in Wichita
Safety at a Glance
Is South Central Safe?
South Central in Wichita, KS has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average of 100. South Central is safer than 28% of neighborhoods in Wichita.
Compared to the Wichita average (crime index 125), South Central is 32% 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: 163, 63% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 120).
Overall, South Central 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 Central 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
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
How South Central Compares
Crime index by category: South Central vs Wichita average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Central Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
South Central Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Central, Wichita?
South Central in Wichita, KS has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average. Compared to the Wichita average, crime in South Central is 32% higher. South Central is safer than 28% of neighborhoods in Wichita.
Is South Central a safe neighborhood in Wichita?
South Central is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Wichita, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 163), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 120).
How does South Central compare to the rest of Wichita?
South Central's overall crime index is 157, compared to the Wichita average of 125. This means crime in South Central is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 138, and for property crime it is 149. 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 Central?
The most prevalent crime type in South Central is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 163 (63% 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 Central?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include The Hyde, Schweiter, McCormick and Mead. These areas are close to South Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Central?
South Central has a population of approximately 14,039. The median household income is $37,045. The median home value is $57,894. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Central crime compare to the national average?
South Central's overall crime rate is 57% above the national average (index 157 vs 100). Within Wichita, it is safer than 28% 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.