Is Kansas City or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Kansas City is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 2/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 6,224 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 34% lower. Kansas City has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Kansas City has a 38% lower rate.
Kansas City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kansas City, MO
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kansas City | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,224.4 | 9,406.9 | -3,182.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,547.4 | 2,508.0 | -960.6 |
| Murder Rate | 27.6 | 40.6 | -13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 74.7 | 70.0 | +4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 254.0 | 348.7 | -94.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,191.2 | 2,042.1 | -850.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,677.0 | 6,899.0 | -2,222.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 490.4 | 915.8 | -425.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,454.9 | 4,399.5 | -1,944.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,731.8 | 1,583.6 | +148.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City or Memphis safer?
Kansas City is safer with a total crime rate of 6,224 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,547.4 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. Kansas City 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 2/100 and a population coverage of 511,437, Kansas City has a total crime rate of 6,224.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.