Is Olathe or Salina Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Olathe is safer than Salina (Safety Score 69/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100,000 versus 2,970 for Salina — 62% lower. Olathe has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salina has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Olathe is 3.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Olathe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salina — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Olathe, KS
Salina, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Olathe | Salina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,137.3 | 2,970.5 | -1,833.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 196.0 | 495.1 | -299.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 0.0 | +2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.1 | 88.0 | -53.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.0 | 81.4 | -71.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.9 | 323.5 | -173.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 941.3 | 2,475.4 | -1,534.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 64.9 | 323.5 | -258.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 772.7 | 1,993.5 | -1,220.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.7 | 158.4 | -54.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olathe or Salina safer?
Olathe is safer with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100K vs 2,970 for Salina — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Olathe has a violent crime rate of 196.0 per 100K while Salina has 495.1. Olathe has lower violent crime.
About Olathe, KS
Olathe, a major suburb southwest of Kansas City, was once a crucial stop on the Santa Fe Trail. With a population exceeding 140,000, it is the fourth-largest city in Kansas. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 149,473, Olathe has a total crime rate of 1,137.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Salina, KS
Salina, a central Kansas hub, boasts a rich agricultural heritage and serves as a regional center for commerce and healthcare. Located at the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Saline Rivers, it is the county seat of Saline County. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 45,447, Salina has a total crime rate of 2,970.5 per 100,000 residents.