Kansas has become known for its agriculture, aviation, and history. However, the state also boasts some of the most violent cities in the country, according to the most recent FBI crime statistics. Merriam, a suburb of Kansas City, has been named the most hazardous city in Kansas for 2023.
Why is Merriam so Dangerous?
Merriam is a city of approximately 10,900 residents in Johnson County, Kansas. It is part of the Kansas City metropolitan region, and the typical household income is $63,000, greater than the state average. However, it has a high crime rate, particularly property offenses.
According to the FBI, Merriam had 686 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 5,655 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2023. These rates are much higher than the national averages of 367 and 2,110, respectively. Merriam also saw two murders, 15 rapes, 40 robberies, and 629 burglaries in 2023.
Merriam’s high crime rate might be attributed to its closeness to Kansas City, which is also a high-crime city, a lack of police resources, and drug and gang issues. Merriam has just 24 police officers, which is fewer than one for every 1,000 citizens. It also has a high rate of opioid addiction and overdose deaths, as well as gangs like the Crips and the Bloods.
How Does Merriam Compare to Other Kansas Cities?
Merriam is not the only city in Kansas with a high crime rate. In reality, Kansas is the 16th most dangerous state in the nation, with a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 inhabitants and a property crime rate of 2,745 per 100,000. Other cities rated unsafe in Kansas include:
- Iola, a city of around 5,300 residents in Allen County, had 1,094 violent crimes and 4,128 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2023.
- Topeka, Kansas’ state capital and largest city with a population of around 125,000 had 1,008 violent crimes and 3,932 property crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
- 3 Parsons, a city of around 9,400 residents in Labette County, had 917 violent crimes and 4,064 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2023.
- Wichita, Kansas’ second-largest city, with a population of around 390,000, had 833 violent crimes and 3,996 property crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
- Junction community, a community of around 23,000 residents in Geary County, reported 823 violent crimes and 3,829 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2023.
What Can Be Done to Increase Merriam’s Safety?
Merriam is a city with great promise but also many issues. It boasts a diversified and educated population, a robust economy, and a rich past. However, it also has a major crime issue that must be handled. Some potential measures that might help Merriam decrease its crime rate include:
- Increasing the number and training of police personnel, as well as strengthening coordination with other regional law enforcement authorities.
- Expanding community policing and crime prevention initiatives including neighborhood watch, crime stoppers, and youth mentoring.
- Increasing resources and assistance for drug treatment and recovery while clamping down on drug trafficking and distribution.
- Increasing investments in education, employment, and social services, as well as expanding recreational and civic participation options for citizens.
Summary
In summary, while Kansas is well-known for its agricultural and aviation accomplishments, it also has high crime rates, particularly in areas such as Merriam. The city’s heightened crime rates, which are due to its closeness to high-crime regions, insufficient police resources, and drug-related issues, highlight the need for comprehensive solutions. Comparisons to neighboring Kansas communities indicate a larger issue, leading to requests for enhanced law enforcement, community efforts, and socioeconomic investments to improve safety and address the root causes of crime in Merriam and beyond.