Loading Content...
Violent Crime Trends in Mission, Kansas: A Decade of Fluctuations and Concerns
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Mission, Kansas, a small urban area covering 2.67 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 27.78%, rising from 36 to 46 incidents. During this same period, the population grew by 5.25%, from 9,892 to 10,411 residents, indicating that crime rates outpaced population growth.
The murder rate in the city has shown significant volatility. In most years, there were no reported murders, but 2012 and 2022 each saw one and two murders respectively. The murder rate per 1,000 people jumped from 0 to 0.19 in 2022, a concerning spike. The city's contribution to state murder statistics also increased dramatically, from 0% in most years to 1.87% in 2022. This sudden increase warrants attention, as it suggests a potential emerging issue in violent crime within the community.
Rape incidents have fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 12 cases in 2015 (1.26 per 1,000 people) and a low of 2 cases in 2021 and 2022 (0.19 per 1,000 people). The city's share of state rape cases has varied, reaching a high of 1.11% in 2020 before dropping to 0.2% in 2022. This decrease in both absolute numbers and state percentage could indicate improved safety measures or reporting practices.
Robbery trends show a decline followed by a recent uptick. From a high of 16 cases in 2010 (1.62 per 1,000 people), robberies decreased to 2 in 2016 (0.21 per 1,000 people). However, 2022 saw an increase to 10 cases (0.96 per 1,000 people). The city's contribution to state robbery statistics rose from 0.16% in 2016 to 1.38% in 2022, suggesting a localized increase in this type of crime.
Aggravated assaults have shown a significant upward trend. From 16 cases in 2010 (1.62 per 1,000 people), the number rose to 32 in 2022 (3.07 per 1,000 people), a 100% increase. The city's share of state aggravated assaults grew from 0.26% in 2010 to 0.42% in 2022, indicating that this crime category has become a more prominent issue in the local context.
Examining correlations, there appears to be a relationship between the increase in violent crimes and population density. As the population density rose from 3,708 per square mile in 2010 to 3,902 in 2022, violent crimes also increased. Additionally, the racial composition shifts, particularly the slight decrease in the white population from 81% in 2013 to 79% in 2022, coincided with the rise in violent crimes. However, it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation, and these trends may be influenced by various socio-economic factors not captured in the provided data.
Applying predictive models based on the current trends, it's projected that by 2029 (five years from now), violent crimes in Mission could potentially reach 60-65 incidents annually if current trends continue without intervention. This would represent a further increase of approximately 30-41% from 2022 levels.
In summary, Mission has experienced a concerning increase in violent crimes, particularly in aggravated assaults and recent spikes in murders and robberies. While the overall numbers remain relatively low for a city of its size, the rate of increase outpaces population growth. The city's growing contribution to state crime statistics in several categories suggests that local law enforcement and community leaders may need to implement targeted strategies to address these rising crime rates and maintain the safety and security of Mission's residents.
