FBI: Violent crime drops in Kansas City for first half of 2012

Violent crime in Kansas City dropped slightly during the first six months of 2012, according to preliminary statistics from the FBI.

The city reported 2,681 violent crimes in the first six months of the year, down 2.8 percent from the same period in 2011. That places Kansas City at No. 18 for violent crime among U.S. cities with more than 100,000 residents.

Kansas City ranked No. 17 for violent crime in all of 2011.

Violent crimes include murder, robbery, rape and assault.

The data were compiled by Caspio from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Statistics for the full year are expected to be released in October.

Here’s a snapshot of violent crimes in large metro-area cities during the first six months of 2012, compared with the same time the prior year:

• Kansas City — 2,681 violent crimes, or 581 per 100,000 residents, down 2.83 percent from 2011.

• Kansas City, Kan. — 423 violent crimes, or 288 per 100,000 residents, down 2.98 percent from 2011.

• Independence — 263 violent crimes, or 224 per 100,000 residents, up 16.37 percent from 2011.

• Olathe — 91 violent crimes, or 72 per 100,000 residents, down 17.27 percent from 2011.

• Overland Park — 135 violent crimes, or 77 per 100,000 residents, down 15.63 percent from 2011.

Search below for details on violent and property crime rates in 9,367 cities throughout the country.

Jonna is research director, which includes compiling lists of top area companies in various categories.