Cherokee County Crime & Safety

Cherokee County, Kansas

Safety Score

22/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1996.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

345.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1651.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

22/100

Higher = safer

State avg 52/100

State Safety Rank

#81

of 105 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Cherokee County, Kansas

Safety Below National Averages

Cherokee County holds a safety score of 96.8, which is lower than many of its Kansas neighbors but still better than many urban centers. Its total crime rate of 1,996.9 per 100,000 residents remains below the national average of 2,385.5. However, this rate indicates more frequent criminal activity than in surrounding rural counties.

Higher Crime Than State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,996.9 significantly exceeds the Kansas state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. Similarly, its safety score of 96.8 falls below the state average score of 98.0. Four different reporting agencies work together to manage these higher-than-average activity levels.

A Regional High in Crime

Cherokee County experiences more crime than nearly all its immediate neighbors listed, including Chautauqua and Coffey. While Chautauqua reports only 590.1 crimes per 100,000, Cherokee’s rate is more than triple that figure. This suggests a more active environment for local law enforcement compared to the rest of the region.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime accounts for 1,651.2 incidents per 100,000, which is the primary driver of the local crime rate. The violent crime rate of 345.7 is close to the national average of 369.8, but still higher than the Kansas average of 235.9. Residents should be particularly mindful of theft and burglary risks.

Prioritizing Home Security Measures

Given the higher property crime rates, residents should consider investing in robust security systems and cameras. Locking vehicles and securing outbuildings is essential for deterring theft in this area. Staying connected with neighbors through local watch groups can also help lower incident rates.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Cherokee County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Cherokee County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Cherokee County, KS?

Cherokee County has a total crime rate of 1996.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (345.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1651.2 per 100K).

Is Cherokee County, KS safe?

Cherokee County has a safety score of 22/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #81 out of 105 counties in Kansas for safety (1 = safest).

How does Cherokee County crime compare to the Kansas average?

What types of crime are most common in Cherokee County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Cherokee County?

Crime data for Cherokee County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Cherokee County?

Cherokee County has a safety score of 22/100, which is below the Kansas average of 52/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.