Is Olathe or Shawnee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Olathe is safer than Shawnee (Safety Score 69/100 vs 39/100), with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100,000 versus 2,050 for Shawnee — 45% lower. Olathe has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shawnee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Olathe is 2.1x 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
Shawnee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Olathe, KS
Shawnee, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Olathe | Shawnee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,137.3 | 2,050.3 | -912.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 196.0 | 278.2 | -82.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 0.0 | +2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.1 | 15.7 | +18.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.0 | 5.7 | +4.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.9 | 255.4 | -105.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 941.3 | 1,772.0 | -830.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 64.9 | 219.7 | -154.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 772.7 | 1,352.6 | -579.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.7 | 199.8 | -96.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olathe or Shawnee safer?
Olathe is safer with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100K vs 2,050 for Shawnee — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Olathe has a violent crime rate of 196.0 per 100K while Shawnee has 278.2. 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 Shawnee, KS
Shawnee, Kansas, a western suburb of Kansas City, boasts a rich history, including its founding as a Shawnee Indian Mission in the 1830s. This family-friendly community in Johnson County has a median household income significantly above the national average. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 70,089, Shawnee has a total crime rate of 2,050.3 per 100,000 residents.