What is the Crime Rate in Kansas City, Missouri?
Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. However, like many other cities in the United States, it also faces the challenge of crime. In this article, we will explore the crime rate in Kansas City, Missouri, and provide an overview of the most common types of crime in the city.
Overview of Crime in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri, is the largest city in Missouri and has a population of over 491,000 people. According to the Kansas City Police Department’s annual crime report, the overall crime rate in Kansas City has been declining in recent years. In 2020, the crime rate in Kansas City was 4,434.6 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 4,692.3 per 100,000 residents.
Types of Crime in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri, experiences a range of crimes, including violent crimes, property crimes, and drug-related crimes. Here are some of the most common types of crime in the city:
- Violent Crimes: In 2020, there were 4,434 violent crimes reported in Kansas City, including 54 homicides, 1,041 aggravated assaults, and 1,336 robberies.
- Property Crimes: There were 24,541 property crimes reported in Kansas City in 2020, including 11,441 burglaries, 8,551 larcenies, and 4,549 motor vehicle thefts.
- Drug-Related Crimes: Drug-related crimes are a significant problem in Kansas City, with 2,416 drug-related arrests made in 2020. The most common drugs involved in these crimes were marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Crime Rate by Neighborhood
The crime rate in Kansas City varies significantly by neighborhood. Here are some of the safest and most dangerous neighborhoods in Kansas City, based on crime data from the Kansas City Police Department:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents |
|---|---|
| Brookside | 1,344.5 |
| Plaza Mid-Way | 1,441.9 |
| Westport | 1,541.2 |
| Downtown | 2,141.8 |
| Northland | 2,241.9 |
| East Bottoms | 3,141.2 |
| Grandview | 3,341.9 |
Crime Prevention Strategies
To combat crime in Kansas City, the Kansas City Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies use a variety of crime prevention strategies. Some of these strategies include:
- Community Policing: The Kansas City Police Department has a strong community policing program, which involves building relationships between police officers and the communities they serve.
- Deterrent Patrols: The police department conducts regular patrols in high-crime areas to deter criminal activity.
- Youth Programs: The city has a range of youth programs, including after-school programs and summer camps, to help young people avoid getting involved in criminal activity.
- Neighborhood Watch: The city has a neighborhood watch program, which encourages residents to look out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police.
Conclusion
The crime rate in Kansas City, Missouri, is lower than the national average, but it is still a significant problem in the city. The most common types of crime in Kansas City are violent crimes, property crimes, and drug-related crimes. The city has a range of crime prevention strategies in place, including community policing, deterrent patrols, youth programs, and neighborhood watch. By working together, residents and law enforcement agencies can make Kansas City a safer place for everyone.
Crime Data Sources
- Kansas City Police Department’s Annual Crime Report
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program
- City of Kansas City, Missouri, Crime Data
Tables and Figures
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents |
|---|---|
| Brookside | 1,344.5 |
| Plaza Mid-Way | 1,441.9 |
| Westport | 1,541.2 |
| Downtown | 2,141.8 |
| Northland | 2,241.9 |
| East Bottoms | 3,141.2 |
| Grandview | 3,341.9 |
Note: The crime rate data used in this article is based on the Kansas City Police Department’s annual crime report and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of crimes reported in a given year by the city’s population, and then multiplying by 100,000.
