We as Kansans are very fortunate, as our beloved home state is generally a safe and peaceful place to be. However, no matter where you are, there is always reason to be cautious of your surroundings. We did our research and – according to multiple resources – the following 11 places in Kansas are a few of the most dangerous in the state:

1. Coffeyville
Coffeyville, KS 67337, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Steven Pick
Small towns are typically associated with being safe and wholesome places, however, according to Roadsnacks, the historic town of just under 10,000 is an exception to the rule due to the fact that it's got the fifth-highest violent crime rate in the state. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most poverty-stricken as well.
2. Kansas City
Kansas City, KS, USA
Wikimedia Commons/airtuna08
Here is something you never want to hear: Not only was Kansas City named one of the most dangerous cities in the state, it was recently named one of the 10 most dangerous cities in the country by World Atlas with an alarming 1,654 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
3. Arkansas City
Arkansas City, KS 67005, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall
Another small town with a knack for getting into trouble? Arkansas City, which Road Snacks recently named as one of their "10 Most Dangerous Cities In Kansas" because of its high crime (the 6th highest in the state) and high school dropout rate of 24%. Other undafe cities and towns include:
4. Emporia
Emporia, KS 66801, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Ethan James Sherrer
...the proud home of ESU, with 43 total crimes per square mile...
5. Liberal
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
...and the Seward County seat, with a 1 in 268 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime.

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6. Wichita
Wichita, KS, USA
Wikimedia Commons/04stx
One of Kansas's largest cities is also one of the states most crime ridden, which - according to Roadsnacks - has a crime rate of about 1,141 per 100,000 residents, including a 1 in 16 chance of being the victim of a violent crime.
7. Hutchinson
Hutchinson, KS, USA
Wikimedia Commons/hellbus
Other sites have also released studies which included Hutchison and its property and violent crime rates of 2 and 8...
8. Topeka
Topeka, KS, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Dylan Edwards
...Kansas's very own capital city, with 4,990 property crimes per 100,000 residents...
9. Galena
Galena, KS, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Abe Ezecowitz
...and a Route 66 town of only 3,000 (with property and violent crime rankings of 9 and 11).
10. Fort Scott
Fort Scott, KS, USA
Flickr/frank thompson photos
We conclude our list of dangerous Kansas towns with two more selections from Neighborhood Scout Fort Scott page, which mentions 57 crimes per square mile and a 1 in 157 odds of being the victim of a violent crime.
11. Great Bend
Great Bend, KS 67530, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Paul Sableman
...and Great Bend (5.36 violent crimes per 1,000 residents; 26.81 property crimes per 1,000 residents).

Need even more interesting statistics? Check out These 8 Towns Have The Highest Divorce Rate In Kansas.

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Most Dangerous Places in Kansas

Tori Jane | January 05, 2022

Where are some dangerous places to avoid in Kansas?  

Kansas is a beautiful state, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its problem spots, too. Like anywhere else, there are some towns that are safer than others, and some towns are dangerous enough that you might want to consider not walking around alone at night. For example, the town of Augusta has a property crime rate that’s an impressive 67% higher than the rest of the United States. In Junction City, residents have a slightly higher than 1% chance of being the victims of violent crimes, as the odds are about 1 in 98. Of course, the larger cities like Wichita or Kansas City also boast high crime rates, but considering the larger population of these spots, that’s to be expected. And in Independence, Kansas, the crime rate is 129% above the national average! Yikes. For more information about each of these and more, check out this list of the most dangerous cities in Kansas.  

What is the crime rate in Kansas like? 

From 2019 to 2020, violent crime in Kansas increased 9.5%. The violent crime rate is currently 24.4% above its own yearly average, and the pandemic might be to blame for this spike. However, in 2020 property crimes shrank by 1.2%, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s still something. Kansas City has the 8th-highest crime rate in the United States, and in 2020 Kansas ranked as the fifth most dangerous state! Of course, you shouldn’t let these numbers deter you – Kansas has a pretty low population, which accounts for the inflated-seeming numbers. The odds of you becoming the victim of a crime here are still quite low; Kansas has plenty of amazing places and things to see and do, so visiting is still a nice thing to check off your bucket list.  

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