Is Olathe or Topeka Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Olathe is safer than Topeka (Safety Score 69/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100,000 versus 4,499 for Topeka — 75% lower. Olathe has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Olathe has a 88% lower rate.
Olathe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Topeka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Olathe, KS
Topeka, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Olathe | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,137.3 | 4,499.2 | -3,361.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 196.0 | 856.5 | -660.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 16.0 | -14.0 |
| Rape Rate | 34.1 | 47.1 | -13.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.0 | 80.7 | -70.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.9 | 712.7 | -562.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 941.3 | 3,642.7 | -2,701.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 64.9 | 637.6 | -572.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 772.7 | 2,504.9 | -1,732.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.7 | 500.2 | -396.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olathe or Topeka safer?
Olathe is safer with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100K vs 4,499 for Topeka — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Olathe has a violent crime rate of 196.0 per 100K while Topeka has 856.5. 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 Topeka, KS
Topeka, the capital of Kansas, is home to the historic Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. This city in Shawnee County has a diverse population, with a significant portion identifying as white and Black. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 125,156, Topeka has a total crime rate of 4,499.2 per 100,000 residents.