Is Kansas City Safe? Discover the Unexpected Drop in Violent Crime

When we told our friends we were heading to Kansas City for a week, the reactions were mixed. Some immediately started raving about the barbecue, while others raised eyebrows and asked, "Is it safe there?" It got us thinking – what's the real story behind Kansas City's safety?

As a middle-aged couple from Florida (okay, I'll admit it, even though in my mind I'm still "29" forever), we've traveled to 32 countries across 6 continents. We're no strangers to big cities or safety concerns. But Kansas City? It wasn't exactly on our radar as a potentially dangerous destination.

So, we decided to dig deeper. My wife Sarah and I spent a week exploring Kansas City, working remotely by day and immersing ourselves in the local culture by night. We're going to share how we assessed Kansas City's safety before our trip and our honest, on-the-ground experiences during our stay.

3 Safety Factors to Consider

Before we pack our bags for any new destination, we always do our homework. Here's how Kansas City stacked up in our pre-trip safety check:

01 - State Department Travel Advisory

First things first – we always check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories. They use a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being the safest and 4 being a big "nope, don't go there."

1 = Exercise normal precautions (white)2 = Exercise increased caution (yellow)3 = Reconsider travel (orange)4 = Do not travel (red)

We typically only travel to places rated 1 or 2. So how did Kansas City fare?

Turns out, Kansas City itself doesn't have a specific advisory. It falls under the general advisory for the United States, which is Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to COVID-19. This is pretty standard for most U.S. cities right now.

What's interesting is that while Kansas City doesn't have its own advisory, some areas of Missouri are actually rated Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) due to crime. But these are mostly rural areas, not the city itself.

State Department Travel Advisory Check: PASS

02 - Latest News

Next, we always scan recent news about our destination. We're looking for any major incidents, trends in crime, or positive developments in safety.

The big story we couldn't miss was the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory parade in February 2024. One person died and 22 others were injured. It was a shocking incident that definitely caught our attention.

However, we also found some encouraging news. Kansas City reported a 15% decrease in violent crime during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. That's a significant improvement and suggests the city is moving in the right direction.

We also noticed that Kansas City has been attracting some major investments, particularly in the auto industry. While this doesn't directly relate to safety, it could mean more jobs and economic stability, which often correlates with lower crime rates.

Latest News Check: CAUTION (due to the parade incident, but with positive trends)

03 - Community Forums

Finally, we always check what other travelers are saying. TripAdvisor and Reddit are our go-to sources for real, unfiltered opinions.

On TripAdvisor, we found mostly positive comments about safety in Kansas City. Many travelers reported feeling perfectly safe in popular areas like the Country Club Plaza and downtown.

Reddit gave us a more nuanced view. In a thread titled "New in town, safety tips for exploring the city", locals provided specific advice about which areas to be cautious in, particularly at night. They also emphasized that most tourist areas are quite safe.

One comment that stuck with us was from a local who said, "Kansas City is like any big city – there are good areas and bad areas. Just use common sense and you'll be fine."

Community Forums Check: PASS

First Hand Experience in Kansas City

With our research done, we felt cautiously optimistic about our trip to Kansas City. But how did our experience match up to our expectations? Let's break it down by neighborhood.

Country Club Plaza

The Country Club Plaza was our first stop, and what a charming introduction to Kansas City! This open-air shopping and entertainment district is known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and upscale vibe.

We spent a sunny afternoon strolling the streets, window shopping, and people-watching. The area felt incredibly safe, with a visible security presence and plenty of other visitors around.

As the sun set, we decided to test the nighttime atmosphere. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Gram & Dun, a trendy spot with a great patio. Even after dark, the streets were well-lit and lively.

Our favorite experience in the Plaza? The free art tour of the district's famous fountains and statues. We felt perfectly safe wandering around with our cameras out, snapping photos of the beautiful sculptures.

Is Country Club Plaza Safe? YES

Power & Light District

The Power & Light District is Kansas City's answer to Times Square – bright lights, big crowds, and endless entertainment options. We were a bit wary at first, as these types of areas can sometimes feel sketchy at night.

But we were pleasantly surprised. The district was clean, well-maintained, and had a strong police presence. We visited on a Friday night to get the full experience, and while it was certainly lively, it never felt unsafe.

We caught a show at the Midland Theatre, and afterward, we bar-hopped a bit. The Kansas City Live! Block was particularly fun, with its open-air courtyard and multiple bars and restaurants.

One thing we appreciated was the designated ride-share pickup area. It made getting an Uber at the end of the night feel safe and organized.

Is Power & Light District Safe? YES, even at night

Crossroads Arts District

The Crossroads Arts District quickly became our favorite neighborhood in Kansas City. This eclectic area is full of art galleries, unique shops, and fantastic restaurants.

We spent a whole day exploring the Crossroads, starting with brunch at Grünauer, a delicious Austrian spot. Then we wandered through countless art galleries, chatting with local artists and admiring the street art.

Even as two out-of-towners clearly looking like tourists (camera in hand, map out), we never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. The neighborhood has a creative, laid-back vibe that feels very inclusive.

We did notice that the area gets a bit quieter at night, so we were a little more alert after dark. But with plenty of other people around heading to dinner or shows, it still felt safe.

Our top safety tip for the Crossroads? Be careful crossing the streetcar tracks! Those rails can be slippery when wet.

Is Crossroads Arts District Safe? YES

River Market

The River Market area was high on our list, primarily because of its famous farmers market. We visited on a Saturday morning when the market was in full swing, and it was a treat for all the senses.

The market itself felt very safe, with a diverse mix of locals and tourists. We had no qualms about carrying cash for purchases or using our phones to take photos of the colorful produce displays.

After the market, we explored the surrounding neighborhood. The area has a mix of old and new, with historic buildings alongside modern apartments. We felt safe walking around during the day, but we did notice fewer people out and about as evening approached.

One huge plus for safety in this area is the free KC Streetcar. We used it to get back to our hotel in the evening, and it felt clean, well-monitored, and very convenient.

Is River Market Safe? YES, especially during market hours

Westport

Westport is known as Kansas City's original entertainment district, with a history dating back to the mid-1800s. Today, it's a popular area for nightlife, dining, and shopping.

We visited Westport twice – once during the day for lunch and shopping, and once in the evening to experience the nightlife. During the day, the area felt completely safe and laid-back. We enjoyed browsing the quirky shops and had a great lunch at Beer Kitchen.

The nighttime experience was a bit different. While we didn't feel unsafe, the area definitely had a rowdier vibe. There were plenty of people out and about, which can be good for safety, but also means more potential for alcohol-fueled incidents.

We noticed a strong police presence, which was reassuring. However, we did decide to Uber back to our hotel rather than walk, just to be on the safe side.

Is Westport Safe? YES, but exercise caution late at night

18th and Vine District

The historic 18th and Vine District is a must-visit for jazz lovers and anyone interested in African American history. We spent an afternoon exploring the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

During the day, the area felt safe and welcoming. There weren't as many people around as in some other neighborhoods, but those we did see were friendly and helpful.

We returned in the evening for dinner and live jazz at the Blue Room. The nighttime vibe was lively but not rowdy, and we felt comfortable walking back to our Uber pickup spot after the show.

One thing to note – the area immediately surrounding 18th and Vine can feel a bit deserted at night. We stuck to well-lit streets and stayed aware of our surroundings.

Is 18th and Vine District Safe? YES, but stay alert at night

Crown Center

Crown Center is a family-friendly complex that's home to several Kansas City landmarks, including the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the SEA LIFE Aquarium.

We visited on a weekday afternoon and found the area to be very safe and well-monitored. There were plenty of families around, and the whole complex had a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere.

We particularly enjoyed the Link, a series of covered walkways that connect Crown Center to Union Station and the Westin Crown Center Hotel. It's a great way to move between attractions while staying indoors – a nice safety feature in bad weather or after dark.

Is Crown Center Safe? YES, very family-friendly

Kansas City by Foot

One of our favorite ways to explore a new city is on foot, and Kansas City proved to be quite walkable – at least in the main tourist areas.

We felt very safe walking around during the day in neighborhoods like Country Club Plaza, Crossroads Arts District, and Crown Center. The sidewalks were generally in good condition, and there were plenty of other pedestrians around.

At night, we were a bit more cautious. While areas like the Power & Light District felt safe to walk even late into the evening, we opted for Uber in some other neighborhoods after dark.

Our top tip for walking in Kansas City? Use the KC Streetcar to cover longer distances. It's free, safe, and connects many of the main tourist areas.

Kansas City by Uber

When we didn't feel like walking or when we were traveling at night, we relied on Uber. Our experiences were consistently positive.

Here's where we chose to Uber instead of walk:

• Airport to/from our hotel
• Late night returns from Westport and 18th and Vine
• From Crown Center to River Market (it was raining)
• Any time we felt unsure about an area, especially at night

We found Uber to be readily available, with short wait times. All our drivers were friendly and professional, and many offered great local tips about the city.

One safety tip: always verify your driver's information before getting in the car. The Uber app makes this easy by providing the driver's name, photo, and car details.

Final Thoughts

So, is Kansas City safe? Based on our week-long experience, we'd say yes – with the usual big-city caveats.

Like any major city, Kansas City has its rougher areas, and it's wise to exercise caution, especially at night. But in the main tourist areas and popular neighborhoods, we felt surprisingly comfortable and secure.

Here are our top safety tips for visiting Kansas City:

• Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night
• Use the free KC Streetcar to move between downtown attractions safely
• Keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings
• Don't hesitate to use Uber for nighttime transportation
• Trust your instincts – if an area feels unsafe, leave
• Be extra vigilant during major events or in very crowded areas

Would we recommend visiting Kansas City? Absolutely! The city offers a fantastic mix of culture, history, and incredible food (seriously, the barbecue alone is worth the trip). By exercising normal precautions, you can safely enjoy all that Kansas City has to offer.

Just remember – safety isn't just about avoiding danger. It's about being prepared, staying aware, and making smart choices. Do that, and you'll be free to focus on the important stuff – like deciding which BBQ joint to try next!

About Us

Hey there! We're Tobi and Sarah, a middle-aged couple from Florida who recently tied the knot. We're on a mission to travel the world while working remotely, and we love sharing our experiences to help others travel safer and smarter.

We're big foodies (Kansas City's BBQ scene was a dream come true for us!) and we're always on the lookout for win-win situations – like finding a city that's both safe AND delicious. We hope our perspective as a traveling, working couple with a focus on safety and culinary adventures helps you plan your own amazing trips. Happy and safe travels!

Kansas City by Foot

One of our favorite ways to explore a new city is on foot, and Kansas City proved to be quite walkable – at least in the main tourist areas.

We felt very safe walking around during the day in neighborhoods like Country Club Plaza, Crossroads Arts District, and Crown Center. The sidewalks were generally in good condition, and there were plenty of other pedestrians around.

At night, we were a bit more cautious. While areas like the Power & Light District felt safe to walk even late into the evening, we opted for Uber in some other neighborhoods after dark.

Our top tip for walking in Kansas City? Use the KC Streetcar to cover longer distances. It's free, safe, and connects many of the main tourist areas.

Kansas City by Uber

When we didn't feel like walking or when we were traveling at night, we relied on Uber. Our experiences were consistently positive.

Here's where we chose to Uber instead of walk:

• Airport to/from our hotel
• Late night returns from Westport and 18th and Vine
• From Crown Center to River Market (it was raining)
• Any time we felt unsure about an area, especially at night

We found Uber to be readily available, with short wait times. All our drivers were friendly and professional, and many offered great local tips about the city.

One safety tip: always verify your driver's information before getting in the car. The Uber app makes this easy by providing the driver's name, photo, and car details.

Final Thoughts

So, is Kansas City safe? Based on our week-long experience, we'd say yes – with the usual big-city caveats.

Like any major city, Kansas City has its rougher areas, and it's wise to exercise caution, especially at night. But in the main tourist areas and popular neighborhoods, we felt surprisingly comfortable and secure.

Here are our top safety tips for visiting Kansas City:

• Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night
• Use the free KC Streetcar to move between downtown attractions safely
• Keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings
• Don't hesitate to use Uber for nighttime transportation
• Trust your instincts – if an area feels unsafe, leave
• Be extra vigilant during major events or in very crowded areas
• Stay informed about local events and any potential safety concerns
• Keep emergency numbers handy, including the local police non-emergency line: (816) 234-5111
• Consider travel insurance for added peace of mind

Would we recommend visiting Kansas City? Absolutely! The city offers a fantastic mix of culture, history, and incredible food (seriously, the barbecue alone is worth the trip). By exercising normal precautions, you can safely enjoy all that Kansas City has to offer.

Just remember – safety isn't just about avoiding danger. It's about being prepared, staying aware, and making smart choices. Do that, and you'll be free to focus on the important stuff – like deciding which BBQ joint to try next!

Practical Safety Information

Emergency Number: 911 (for police, fire, and medical emergencies)

Kansas City Police Department (non-emergency): (816) 234-5111

Reputable Hospitals:

• University of Kansas Hospital: (913) 588-5000
• Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City: (816) 932-2000
• Truman Medical Center: (816) 404-1000

Visitor Information Center:Visit KC: (816) 691-3800

Safety for Different Types of Travelers

Families: Kansas City is generally very family-friendly, especially in areas like Crown Center and Union Station. Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and have a plan in case of separation.

Solo Travelers: Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to use ride-sharing services if you feel uncomfortable.

LGBTQ+ Visitors: Kansas City is generally LGBTQ+ friendly, particularly in areas like the Crossroads Arts District. As with any destination, be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution in unfamiliar areas.

Travelers with Disabilities: Many attractions in Kansas City are accessible, but it's worth checking in advance. The KC Streetcar is fully ADA compliant and offers a safe, accessible way to navigate downtown.

Seasonal Safety Considerations

Summer: Kansas City can get quite hot and humid in summer. Stay hydrated and be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion.

Winter: Snowstorms can occur, potentially affecting travel plans. Check weather forecasts and be prepared for cold temperatures.

Spring/Fall: These seasons can bring severe thunderstorms and occasionally tornadoes. Stay informed about weather alerts and know basic severe weather safety procedures.

Cultural Tips for Safe Travel

• Kansas City is known for its friendly Midwestern hospitality. Don't be surprised if strangers strike up conversations or offer help.
• Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%) and for services. Not tipping adequately may be seen as rude.
• Kansas City takes its sports seriously, especially the Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB). Avoid criticizing local teams, especially in sports bars.
• The city is famous for its barbecue. Trying local BBQ is not just a culinary experience, it's a cultural one too!

About Us

Hey there! We're Tobi and Sarah, a middle-aged couple from Florida who recently tied the knot. We're on a mission to travel the world while working remotely, and we love sharing our experiences to help others travel safer and smarter.

We're big foodies (Kansas City's BBQ scene was a dream come true for us!) and we're always on the lookout for win-win situations – like finding a city that's both safe AND delicious. We hope our perspective as a traveling, working couple with a focus on safety and culinary adventures helps you plan your own amazing trips.

Our goal is to provide diverse perspectives on safety and place recommendations for various types of travelers. Sometimes one of us explores solo while the other works, so we have insights on safety for both couples and solo travelers.

We believe that with the right information and a bit of street smarts, you can safely explore amazing places like Kansas City. So go ahead, book that trip, try that exotic dish, and make some unforgettable memories. Just don't forget to tell us all about it when you get back!

Happy and safe travels!