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Roeland Park, Kansas: Violent Crime Trends Amid Demographic Shifts and Zero Murders
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
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Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Roeland Park, Kansas, a small city of 1.62 square miles, has experienced notable fluctuations in violent crime rates over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes increased by 35.29%, rising from 17 to 23 incidents. During this same period, the population decreased slightly by 1.55%, from 6,517 to 6,416 residents.
The city has maintained a consistent record of zero murders from 2010 to 2022, with no reported cases of murder or nonnegligent manslaughter. This statistic remains unchanged despite population fluctuations, indicating a stable environment in terms of the most severe form of violent crime. The murder rate per 1,000 people has consistently been zero, and the city has not contributed to the state's murder statistics throughout this period.
Rape incidents have shown variability over the years. In 2010, there were 5 reported cases, which dropped to zero in 2020, and then rose slightly to 2 cases in 2022. The rape rate per 1,000 people decreased from 0.77 in 2010 to 0.31 in 2022. The city's contribution to the state's rape statistics fluctuated, from 0.56% in 2010 to 0% in 2020, and then to 0.2% in 2022. This suggests that while rape incidents have decreased overall, they remain a concern that requires ongoing attention.
Robbery trends show a decrease followed by a recent uptick. From 9 cases in 2010, robberies dropped to 1 in 2020, but then increased to 8 in 2022. The robbery rate per 1,000 people decreased from 1.38 in 2010 to 1.25 in 2022. Interestingly, despite the decrease in absolute numbers, the city's contribution to the state's robbery statistics increased from 0.62% in 2010 to 1.1% in 2022, indicating that robbery rates may have decreased more rapidly in other parts of the state.
Aggravated assault cases have shown a significant increase over the years. From 3 cases in 2010, the number rose to 13 in 2022, a 333.33% increase. The aggravated assault rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.46 in 2010 to 2.03 in 2022. However, the city's contribution to the state's aggravated assault statistics has fluctuated, from 0.05% in 2010 to 0.17% in 2022, suggesting that while the local increase is substantial, it may be part of a broader statewide trend.
There appears to be a correlation between the increase in violent crime and changes in racial demographics. As the white population percentage decreased from 84% in 2013 to 78% in 2022, and the Hispanic population increased from 7% to 14% during the same period, violent crime rates rose. Additionally, the increase in population density from 4,022 people per square mile in 2010 to 3,959 in 2022 coincides with the overall increase in violent crime, although the relationship is not strictly linear.
Applying predictive models based on these trends, it's projected that by 2029, Roeland Park may see a continued increase in violent crimes, potentially reaching around 30-35 incidents annually. Aggravated assaults are likely to contribute most significantly to this increase, while robbery rates may stabilize or slightly decrease. Rape incidents are expected to remain low but present.
In summary, Roeland Park has experienced a notable increase in violent crime over the past decade, primarily driven by a rise in aggravated assaults. While the city has maintained a zero murder rate, the uptick in other violent crimes, particularly in the context of demographic shifts and population density changes, presents challenges for local law enforcement and community safety initiatives. The projected increase in violent crimes over the next five years underscores the importance of proactive measures to address these trends and enhance public safety in Roeland Park.
