Is Detroit or Kansas City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Detroit is safer than Kansas City (Safety Score 2/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 6,087 per 100,000 versus 6,224 for Kansas City — 2% lower. Detroit has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Detroit has a 28% lower rate.
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kansas City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Kansas City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Kansas City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 6,224.4 | -137.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 1,547.4 | +234.2 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 27.6 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 74.7 | +18.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 254.0 | -70.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 1,191.2 | +282.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 4,677.0 | -371.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 490.4 | +212.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 2,454.9 | -110.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 1,731.8 | -473.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Kansas City safer?
Detroit is safer with a total crime rate of 6,087 per 100K vs 6,224 for Kansas City — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Kansas City has 1,547.4. Kansas City has lower violent crime.
About Detroit, MI
Detroit, once the "Motor City" and heart of the American auto industry, sits on the Detroit River, bordering Canada. This major Midwest city has a diverse population, with a significant African American heritage shaping its vibrant culture. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 651,171, Detroit has a total crime rate of 6,086.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, Missouri, straddles the Missouri River and is known for its distinct barbecue style. It's the largest city in Missouri by population, with a diverse metropolitan area. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 511,437, Kansas City has a total crime rate of 6,224.4 per 100,000 residents.