Is Salina or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wichita is safer than Salina (Safety Score 22/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100,000 versus 2,970 for Salina — 4% lower. Salina has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salina has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Wichita is 8.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Salina — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salina, KS
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Salina | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,970.5 | 2,841.8 | +128.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 495.1 | 538.8 | -43.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.3 | -8.3 |
| Rape Rate | 88.0 | 33.1 | +54.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.4 | 49.8 | +31.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 323.5 | 447.3 | -123.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,475.4 | 2,303.0 | +172.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.5 | 262.7 | +60.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,993.5 | 1,791.0 | +202.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 158.4 | 249.3 | -90.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salina or Wichita safer?
Wichita is safer with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100K vs 2,970 for Salina — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Salina has a violent crime rate of 495.1 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. Salina has lower violent crime.
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.
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.