Is Merriam or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wichita is safer than Merriam (Safety Score 22/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100,000 versus 6,022 for Merriam — 53% lower. Merriam has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Merriam has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Wichita is 36.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Merriam — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merriam, KS
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Merriam | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,021.9 | 2,841.8 | +3,180.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.4 | 538.8 | -103.4 |
| Murder Rate | 9.3 | 8.3 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 74.1 | 33.1 | +41.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.5 | 49.8 | -31.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 333.5 | 447.3 | -113.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,586.4 | 2,303.0 | +3,283.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 315.0 | 262.7 | +52.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,261.6 | 1,791.0 | +2,470.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,009.8 | 249.3 | +760.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merriam or Wichita safer?
Wichita is safer with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100K vs 6,022 for Merriam — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Merriam has a violent crime rate of 435.4 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. Merriam has lower violent crime.
About Merriam, KS
Merriam, Kansas, a first-tier suburb of Kansas City, was once home to Merriam Park, a popular late 19th-century amusement park. Today, this city in Johnson County is known for its diverse housing stock and proximity to major highways. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 10,794, Merriam has a total crime rate of 6,021.9 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.