Is Topeka or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wichita is safer than Topeka (Safety Score 22/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100,000 versus 4,499 for Topeka — 37% lower. Topeka has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wichita has a 48% lower rate.
Note: Wichita is 3.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Topeka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Topeka, KS
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Topeka | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,499.2 | 2,841.8 | +1,657.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 856.5 | 538.8 | +317.7 |
| Murder Rate | 16.0 | 8.3 | +7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 47.1 | 33.1 | +14.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 80.7 | 49.8 | +30.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 712.7 | 447.3 | +265.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,642.7 | 2,303.0 | +1,339.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 637.6 | 262.7 | +374.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,504.9 | 1,791.0 | +713.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 500.2 | 249.3 | +250.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Topeka or Wichita safer?
Wichita is safer with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100K vs 4,499 for Topeka — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Topeka has a violent crime rate of 856.5 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. Wichita has lower violent crime.
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.
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.