United States : Safety by City
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Kansas City midwestern city – actually, the largest city in Missouri – located on the border of Missouri and Kansas.
Kansas City is a beautiful, albeit dangerous city, with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome.
The people of Kansas City are probably among the most sincere, friendly and neighborly people on the planet; there is a lot to be said for solid, midwestern values.
The arts district is rich and diverse and the roots are very deep – their art institutions and museums are world-renowned.
The only problem is that Kansas City is rather dangerous.
Warnings & Dangers in Kansas City
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Kansas City is safe around its city center and tourist areas, but outside of it, you should be cautious. This isn't to say that you should be scared on the streets of Kansas City, but be aware of your surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
If you want to roam in and around Kansas City, traveling by car is your best bet. You can use public transport, but it isn't too safe when it comes to petty crimes. Just be careful at night and during weekends.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
The most common types of petty crime are purse-snatching, car break-ins, and car thefts. Apply common sense like holding your purses tightly and being wise when carrying them, keeping wallets in front pockets, and being alert to one's surroundings. This should be enough to prevent these incidents.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
As for natural disasters, the most prominent one is tornadoes. Follow the advice of local authorities and act accordingly.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Most violent crime happens during the late-night time hours so avoid going out late at night. Stick to the main streets and avoid suspicious areas and neighborhoods, or getting in altercations with individuals that appear to be gang members.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Excluding isolated mass shootings, Kansas City hasn't been the target of any terrorist attacks recently, but the attacks shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
Just like in other tourist destinations, there will be people trying to scam you in Kansas City, too. Be wary of anyone trying to distract you or ATMs that look like they've been tampered with.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Kansas City is very safe for female solo travelers. Following basic precaution measures should completely minimize the chances of anything going wrong.
So... How Safe Is Kansas City Really?
Kansas City is rather dangerous, even when compared to other cities in America.
Much like most major cities, the tourist and business areas are considered generally safe during the day, but it is always best to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the night.
Late-night hours are pretty dangerous regardless of the part of the city you’re in but it’s advised to avoid areas around the P and L District, where there has been an increase in crimes.
Kansas City is known for the abundance of people carrying guns, including concealed ones by people who don’t necessarily know how or when to use them.
There are shootouts at the bars, high-way shooters and white supremacists planning terrorist attacks on synagogues, mosques or just shooting up people that don’t look white.
As for the dangerous areas, neighborhoods east and southeast of the downtown/midtown/Plaza areas are experiencing an increase in violent crime.
Luckily, these areas are usually avoided by tourists not just because of the crime levels, but also because – they don’t offer much.
Racism is also widespread throughout the city.
Kansas City is also in the so-called Tornado Alley, so make sure you follow the advice of authorities in cases of emergencies, check the local weather forecasts and make sure you understand what to do in case a tornado hits.
How Does Kansas City Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | 39 |
| Honolulu | 65 |
| Chicago | 65 |
| Dallas | 64 |
| Memphis | 54 |
| Sydney (Australia) | 80 |
| Santiago de Chile (Chile) | 71 |
| Vienna (Austria) | 88 |
Useful Information
- Visas - The US is famous for its harsh policy for acquiring a tourist, let alone a resident visa. The US embassies usually ask for interviews before granting tourist visas, and tourists usually have to pay up to 160 USD to get a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local US embassy for further information.
- Currency - The United States dollar is the official currency in Kansas City. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are widely available.
- Weather - Kansas City has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot and humid summer months with moist air riding up from the Gulf of Mexico, and high temperatures surpass 38 °C.
- Airports - Kansas City International Airport is a public airport near Kansas City. It is located some 24 km northwest of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kansas City, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Kansas City Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 6 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 32 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 12 | 5 |
| Low °C | -7 | -5 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 2 | -4 |
| High °F | 37 | 43 | 55 | 68 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 70 | 54 | 41 |
| Low °F | 19 | 23 | 34 | 45 | 55 | 64 | 70 | 68 | 59 | 48 | 36 | 25 |
KC resident
As a Kansas City resident, I believe KC to be similar to other cities in terms of safety. There are areas that you avoid, but overall, I feel very safe going places. Over the past 20 years, downtown has been transformed from a place that emptied out on weekends to a destination for tourists and residents alike. We have world class restaurants, art museums and cultural venues. You can get almost anywhere in forty minutes without the hectic traffic prevalent in other, larger cities. The cost of living is low and the suburban school districts are excellent. I moved here 22 years ago and love the city and all it has to offer.
Safty is not a problem its just being over taxed
I love Kansas City and have lived here for over 35 years, but what I do not like is the jackson county assessment on homes, It has made it unrealistic to own a home here because the taxes are totally unresonable.
If I had known how bad this was I would have not purchased a home here and bought a home in overland park Kansas Instead. When I am ready to retire I will have to move out of this crazy town.
I’ve been a KC native my entire life and my parents and grandparents before them. And to tell you the truth, my grandparents moved her from the south in the 60’d because KC was diverse, with out racism. This comment “
There are shootouts at the bars, high-way shooters and white supremacists planning terrorist attacks on synagogues, mosques or just shooting up people that don’t look white.“ is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS, and clearly from a writer who is only read the news and not experienced a beautiful city. Don’t state out past 1am in any city or your asking for trouble.
S TOWN STAND UP
KC is terrifying brah. I’d rather walk around Mogadishu Somalia at night trying to pick up hookers than visit the Power & Light district after 7 PM
Wrong
You must have had one bad experience because I have lived in KC my entire life and nothing bad has happened to me nor have I seen something happen to another person like always stay safe after dark, but your analogy is ridiculous!
Truth
KC is quite safe unless you are MU fan and forget to breathe. However, that could happen anywhere.
Kansas City is generally safe, except when the cattle trains come into town and the cowboys go crazy. Lots of six guns and arm wrestling when that happens. Indian raids are always a risk, but increasingly rare, especially in cold weather. White Supremacists can be warded off by giving them the white salute if cornered, which involves placing your hand over your heart and yelling “Sucotash” loudly. Beware the hinterlands, which are plagued by roaming bands of suburban youth gangs, such as the Leawood Gourmands, the Overland Park Nantucket Reds, and the MIssion Hills Gucci Guys. They are recognizable by the fashion neckwear they sport. Also, US currency is no longer acceptable in most areas of KC, which now take only bitcoin, barbecue, or swiss francs. Good luck.
Hilarious
Love this! LOL!
The one who said that white supremacist (whatever that means) is crazy. KC is a safe and beautiful city
LOL!
Wow, I think this account of KC is actually more accurate than the article! Awesome!!!
What? Are you talking about?
Don,t have a clue what this reviewer is talking about. No white supremacists running around. Been hanging in bars 40 years no shootouts yet, not been shot at while driving either. Admittedly some places in southeast I would not go too. But if you are a tourist and do tourist type things you are fine. Who ever wrote the bullshit has no clue…… He or she is a dumbass
FREINDLY BLACKS
Took the Bus in KC as a Visitor Black Bus Driver friendly, so was Black Passengers.
Great way to see the City !
Love Living in KC
Like every big city, KC is diverse and complicated. In some parts, like City Market, the diversity shines and people from many different backgrounds come together to shop, sell, and experience each other’s culture in a positive, fun, and engaging way. In some other places, not so much. Unlike what “Lifelong” stated yes there are plenty of bigots’ and depending on your skin color you could have problems with law enforcement. But the museums, West Bottom’s antiques, restaurants, shops are great. It’s pretty easy to get around. Don’t forget to check out the Kansas City Speedway across the river in KC Kansas (also where Sporting KC, the soccer team, plays). Lots more shops and restaurants. My wife and I love living in KC (I’m from Colorado and she’s from Texas). Safety is average for an American big city, but well worth the visit.