Topeka, KS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Topeka, KS

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Topeka crime rate is higher than the national average by 101%. Specifically, there were 1211 violent crimes in Topeka, equivalent to 964 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 160.6%. Furthermore, Topeka recorded 4659 property crimes, amounting to 3708 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 89.7%.

With a total of 4671 crimes per 100,000 people, the Topeka crime rates stand at 100.99 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Topeka, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

With a violent crime rate of 964 crimes per 100,000 residents, Topeka is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Topeka ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 104 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Topeka ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Topeka, there were a total of 13 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Topeka faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3708 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Topeka stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Topeka faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 705 vehicle thefts, translating to 561 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Topeka in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 179.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Topeka?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Topeka residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 201 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 17% of Topeka residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 83% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Topeka a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Topeka is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Topeka has an overall crime rate that is 101% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 16.08 daily occurrences, comprising 3.32 violent crimes and 12.76 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Topeka as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Topeka Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Topeka. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Topeka has decreased by 18.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 35.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 25.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Topeka

In Topeka, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Topeka crime rates.

In Topeka, 82.9% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In Topeka, the cost of living is 22.07% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Topeka crime map