Is Kansas City or Lee's Summit Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lee's Summit is safer than Kansas City (Safety Score 29/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,444 per 100,000 versus 6,224 for Kansas City — 61% lower. Kansas City has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lee's Summit has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Kansas City is 4.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kansas City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lee's Summit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kansas City, MO
Lee's Summit, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kansas City | Lee's Summit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,224.4 | 2,443.5 | +3,780.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,547.4 | 149.5 | +1,398.0 |
| Murder Rate | 27.6 | 1.0 | +26.6 |
| Rape Rate | 74.7 | 29.5 | +45.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 254.0 | 9.5 | +244.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,191.2 | 109.5 | +1,081.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,677.0 | 2,294.1 | +2,382.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 490.4 | 128.5 | +361.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,454.9 | 1,871.4 | +583.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,731.8 | 294.1 | +1,437.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City or Lee's Summit safer?
Lee's Summit is safer with a total crime rate of 2,444 per 100K vs 6,224 for Kansas City — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,547.4 per 100K while Lee's Summit has 149.5. Lee's Summit has lower violent crime.
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.
About Lee's Summit, MO
Lee's Summit, a large suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, boasts a rich history tied to the railroad and farming. It's home to over 100,000 residents, primarily families and professionals, and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 105,053, Lee's Summit has a total crime rate of 2,443.5 per 100,000 residents.