Is Lawrence or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lawrence is safer than Wichita (Safety Score 26/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,627 per 100,000 versus 2,842 for Wichita — 8% lower. Lawrence has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lawrence has a 38% lower rate.
Note: Wichita is 4.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lawrence — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lawrence, KS
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lawrence | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,627.4 | 2,841.8 | -214.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 470.8 | 538.8 | -68.0 |
| Murder Rate | 5.2 | 8.3 | -3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 74.5 | 33.1 | +41.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.1 | 49.8 | -16.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 348.7 | 447.3 | -98.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,156.6 | 2,303.0 | -146.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 229.7 | 262.7 | -33.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,762.3 | 1,791.0 | -28.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 164.5 | 249.3 | -84.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawrence or Wichita safer?
Lawrence is safer with a total crime rate of 2,627 per 100K vs 2,842 for Wichita — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lawrence has a violent crime rate of 470.8 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. Lawrence has lower violent crime.
About Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, sits on the Kansas River. This vibrant college town, with a population around 97,000, played a significant role in the Bleeding Kansas era. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 96,636, Lawrence has a total crime rate of 2,627.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Wichita, KS
Wichita, the "Air Capital of the World," is a landlocked city in south-central Kansas. Its population is diverse, with significant Hispanic and Vietnamese communities contributing to its cultural fabric. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 395,486, Wichita has a total crime rate of 2,841.8 per 100,000 residents.