Is Shawnee or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shawnee is safer than Wichita (Safety Score 39/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,050 per 100,000 versus 2,842 for Wichita — 28% lower. Shawnee has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shawnee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Wichita is 5.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Shawnee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Shawnee, KS
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Shawnee | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,050.3 | 2,841.8 | -791.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 278.2 | 538.8 | -260.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.3 | -8.3 |
| Rape Rate | 15.7 | 33.1 | -17.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.7 | 49.8 | -44.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 255.4 | 447.3 | -191.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,772.0 | 2,303.0 | -531.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 219.7 | 262.7 | -43.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,352.6 | 1,791.0 | -438.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 199.8 | 249.3 | -49.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shawnee or Wichita safer?
Shawnee is safer with a total crime rate of 2,050 per 100K vs 2,842 for Wichita — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Shawnee has a violent crime rate of 278.2 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. Shawnee has lower violent crime.
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.
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.