Are you going to travel to Missouri and wonder if Kansas City is dangerous, which neighborhoods to avoid and the best places to stay?
These are questions that we legitimately ask ourselves when planning a stay in the largest city in Missouri. Indeed, we see in many cities in America and Europe that violence and crime have continued to increase in recent years.
So, it is wise to find out in advance about dangerous areas and neighborhoods to avoid in Kansas City.
With this article, you will be able to spot the good places and the dangerous areas of Kansas City with figures and a map of the main districts.
It is a simple synthesis of data that involves no judgment or discrimination. Indeed, the writing of this article was made investigating the web (forums, blogs, local press, rankings and statistics).
Is Kansas City a dangerous city in 2024
According to statistics and rankings, Kansas City is projected to be among the most dangerous cities in the United States by 2024. This is also confirmed by the most recent FBI reports , as well as statistics from worldatlas.com and Statistica.
In the latest Worldpopulationreview ranking , Kansas City is also ranked among the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States along with Detroit , Memphis , Birmingham , Baltimore , St. Louis , Cleveland , Little Rock, Milwaukee and Stockton.
And on Numbeo.com’s ranking of the most crime-ridden cities in the USA, Kansas City is also at the top of the list of the most dangerous cities in 2024.
If we compare crime indices, Kansas City appears more dangerous than Jacksonville , Las Vegas or Cincinnati.
Kansas City crime city (world statistics)
It is always more difficult to classify cities according to their dangerousness on a global level. But according to some rankings and websites, Kansas City is not on the list of the most crime-ridden cities in the world.
See, for example, the Ranking of the most dangerous cities in the world or the Numbeo.com world ranking . In comparison, Kansas City is considered far less crime-ridden than cities like Buenos Aires , São Paulo , Naples , or Marseille.
Is Kansas City safe for tourists?
By exercising caution and choosing the neighborhood where they will stay, tourists can travel to Kansas City without having any problems.
In 2024, the French government recommended that travelers avoid certain neighborhoods in some American cities. However, the France Diplomatie website makes no mention or recommendation for Kansas City. This means that French tourists can visit Kansas City without any problems as long as they remain vigilant.
It should be understood that violent crime in Kansas City does not generally target tourists directly. Indeed, crime is mainly linked to gang wars and drug trafficking. Apart from minor offenses or thefts, crimes occur in areas where tourists do not generally go (see list below).
It would therefore be a shame not to visit this magnificent city which is known to be the city of jazz, 200 fountains and barbecues!
Kansas City Neighborhood Map
Kansas City has nearly 240 neighborhoods, a complete list of which can be found on Wikipedia . Its many neighborhoods make it difficult to pinpoint specific dangerous areas or those more attractive to tourists.
Regarding the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Kansas City, which we'll discuss later, here's a map showing their locations: Google Maps
What are the big areas to avoid in Kansas City
Before detailing the most dangerous districts in Kansas City, it is necessary to know that it is all the zone of the North-East which it is necessary to avoid.
Indeed, according to online publications, the Northeast is the most violent area of the city. See article on hnekc.com/about-the-northeast.
" Your risk of being a victim of crime in Kansas City can be as high as 1 in 9 in the northeast neighborhoods, " according to crimegrade.org.
To form your own opinion, consult the map posted on the Kansas City Missouri Police website.
Kansas City's Most Dangerous Neighborhoods
When we talk about dangerous neighborhoods, we are talking about neighborhoods that have a crime rate higher than the national average per number of inhabitants or than the average for the city.
Based on the most recent web data, the most dangerous neighborhoods in Kansas City in and around the city are:
- Marlborough East
- hidden valley
- South Blue Valley
- East Blue Valley
- Blue hills
- Santa Fe
- East Community Team North
- Central Blue Valley-Park Tower Grade
- Palestine West and Oak Park Northeast
- Northeast Industrial District
- Blue Valley Industrial
- Ivanhoe Southeast
- Norble And Gregory Ridge
- Washington–Wheatley (this neighborhood has become dangerous because of poverty and the evictions of the inhabitants from their homes. See article by missouriindependent.com).
Click on the links to see the Google Maps location of these neighborhoods to avoid in Kansas City.
Kansas City's Safest Neighborhoods
Also according to internet sources and real estate professionals, the safest areas of Kansas City would be the following:
- Armor Hills
- Central Business District/Downtown
- Lea Manor
- Mission Lake
- Volker
- Stanford Gardens
- Blue Hills Estates
- Highview Estates
- Fairway Hills
- Verona Hills
These neighborhoods have the lowest crime rates compared to other neighborhoods in Kansas City. We cannot therefore say that they are safe but rather that they are less dangerous than the other districts.
Where to Stay in Kansas City for Tourists
Here are the 3 best tourist areas in Kansas City:
- Downtown
- Country Club Square
- Midtown-Westport
Among these 3 neighborhoods, Downtown Kansas City is undoubtedly the visitors' favorite.
Where to stay in Kansas City – Downtown
The downtown area and its huge skyscrapers is the best area to stay in Kansas City for all tourists: Solo travelers, couples and families. Indeed, this district is central, animated, commercial and proposes a beautiful diversified offer in terms of hotels.
This area is culturally rich. The train station (Union Station) is home to the City Stage Theatre, a planetarium and Science City.
Further south, you'll also enjoy the historic Power and Light Building, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Penn Valley Park, Union Cemetery, and the Money Museum.
By staying in Downtown, your children can enjoy the Legoland Discovery Center, the College Basketball Experience, the Sealife Aquarium or the Kaleidoscope.
Plus, Downtown Kansas City is only a 20-minute drive from Kansas City International Airport.
Is Downtown Kansas City safe for tourists?
Yes, the city center has a reputation of being a safe zone for tourists. Even if this area also registers crimes, it is mainly petty crimes. Indeed, numerous police patrols secure all the tourist areas of Downtown Kansas City.
Where to stay in Downtown Kansas City?
The Power and Light District (P&L) is a small area in the city center dedicated to entertainment (bars, grill restaurants, nightclubs, concerts, shows, shops, etc.).
This is where the famous Sprint Center is located, attracting many visitors for its basketball games and major concerts. See location of Power and Light District
Located a few meters from the Power and Light District, less than 5 minutes walk from the Sprint Center, here is one of the best hotels in the city:
Cheap hotel in the city center
It's complicated to find a good, inexpensive hotel in a safe place (outside the neighborhoods to avoid) and well located in downtown Kansas City for a tourist stay.
The one I recommend is located near points of interest such as the Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City convention center and the historic Power and Light building. Furthermore, it's situated right next to Union Station (400 meters away) and close to light rail and bus lines: Home2 Suites Kansas City Downtown.