Is Olathe or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Olathe is safer than Wichita (Safety Score 69/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100,000 versus 2,842 for Wichita — 60% lower. Olathe has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Olathe has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Wichita is 2.6x 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
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Olathe, KS
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Olathe | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,137.3 | 2,841.8 | -1,704.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 196.0 | 538.8 | -342.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 8.3 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 34.1 | 33.1 | +1.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.0 | 49.8 | -39.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.9 | 447.3 | -297.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 941.3 | 2,303.0 | -1,361.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 64.9 | 262.7 | -197.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 772.7 | 1,791.0 | -1,018.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.7 | 249.3 | -145.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olathe or Wichita safer?
Olathe is safer with a total crime rate of 1,137 per 100K vs 2,842 for Wichita — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Olathe has a violent crime rate of 196.0 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. 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 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.