By Quinn O’Hara

According to the most recent FBI crime rate data, Wichita has the highest rate of crime in the state of Kansas. In 2021, Wichita had a violent crime rate of 870.7 per 100,000 people, more than twice the national average. The city’s rate of property crimes is nearly three times the national average. Kansas City, Lawrence, and Coffeyville also had higher than average crime rates.

High rates of poverty and unemployment, a lack of access to education, gang activity, weak law enforcement, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence are critical factors that influence the rate of crime. Wichita struggles with rates of poverty and unemployment higher than the national average, as well as a high school dropout rate of 10.4%, nearly 4% higher than the national average.