Kentucky, just like many other states, often finds itself in the spotlight for negative reasons.
Living in the Bluegrass State offers a unique experience filled with incredible outdoor adventures and a rich cultural scene. It’s a truly beautiful place that’s unlike any other.
Kentucky is known for its relatively low crime rate, which is half the rate of its neighbouring states. It also boasts 1.5 fewer violent incidents compared to the rest of the United States.
According to statistics, Kentucky has a lower rate of violent crimes at 2.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the nationwide average of 3.6 incidents per 1,000 individuals in the United States.
Although the statistics show promise, it is important to note that not all cities, towns, and neighbourhoods can be deemed entirely safe.
If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to Kentucky, it’s important to be aware of the state’s ten most dangerous cities. Keep reading to find out more!
10 Cities in Kentucky Where Crime Rates Are High
10. Ashland
Coming in at number ten on the list is Ashland, a quaint town with a population of approximately 20,000 residents.
Despite its small size, the city has a relatively high rate of violent crime, with 2.9 incidents per 1,000 residents.
In comparison to other cities of similar size, the property crime rate in the area is slightly higher at 36.6 crimes per 1,000 people. This could be attributed to the fact that the area has higher-than-average poverty rates.
Over the past decade, the population in Ashland has decreased, which has resulted in a rise in poverty.
9. Winchester
Winchester, home to approximately 18,600 residents, has a property crime rate of 44.2 incidents per 1,000 people, which is relatively high. However, the city boasts a lower violent crime rate of 2.4 reported cases per 1,000 individuals.
The poverty rate in this small town may not be significantly low, but the lack of activities available can lead to trouble for the younger generation.
Residents often turn to Lexington for entertainment options, as there are not many businesses and restaurants in downtown Winchester.
8. Bowling Green
When visiting Bowling Green, a city in southern Kentucky, it’s important to exercise caution despite its charming and quaint Main Street.
The safety of individuals is a major concern, especially when it comes to physical safety. With a high violent crime rate of 2.9 crimes per 1,000 individuals, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
On the other hand, the city experiences a higher number of property crime problems, with a frequency of 46.7 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants.
With its bustling streets and higher population density, the town exudes an urban vibe that’s hard to miss. What’s remarkable is that, despite the hustle and bustle, the crime rate is relatively low compared to other cities.
It’s highly probable that the elevated rate of property crime is due to the high poverty rate.
7. Shively
Shively, a suburb of Louisville, is a well-known destination along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Unfortunately, the area is not immune to violent incidents.
Despite being a small town, the crime rate in the area is surprisingly low, with only 33.5 property crimes per 1,000 people. This means that the town is relatively safe and has a low risk of criminal activity.
Living in a safe neighborhood in Shively can be a challenge as there are only a few options available unless you are willing to reside further away from the city center.
As an example, it’s worth noting that the northeastern section of the town experiences a significantly higher rate of crime compared to the southeastern section. In fact, there are 82 reported incidents per year in the northeast, whereas the southeast only sees eight incidents per year.
According to the statistics, the rate of violent crime stood at 3.4 crimes per 1,000.
6. Oak Grove
Oak Grove, being a favored spot for outdoor enthusiasts, is unfortunately not exempt from criminal activities. In the past few years, this area has seen an equal amount of violent and property crimes.
While it may not rank as the safest destination on this list, it is important to note that this does not make it an unsafe place to live or visit. In fact, the education system is highly regarded and boasts a low teacher-to-student ratio, making it an attractive option for families seeking quality education for their children.
Oak Grove, a small community with a population of only 7,300, has unfortunately witnessed a violent crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents.
5. Covington
Covington, situated right across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, has a reputation for having a high rate of violent crime, but surprisingly, the incidence of property crime is relatively low.
It’s a fact that the likelihood of experiencing physical assault is higher than that of being a victim of theft.
The high incidence of crime in this locality could be attributed to its dense population.
Despite the favorable prospects for housing and the proximity to a major city, a majority of the residents choose to rent instead of owning their homes.
Homelessness and poverty are two of the most pressing issues faced by cities today. These issues not only affect the quality of life of individuals, but they can also contribute to the high levels of violent crime that many cities experience.
According to statistics, the city of Covington has a property crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 residents, while the violent crime rate is 4.7 per 1,000 residents.
4. Paducah
While Paducah is certainly a great option for those looking to explore the world of Bluegrass music, it falls in at number four on our list of top day-trip destinations.
According to recent statistics, the population of this area is approximately 24,000 people. While the rate of violent crimes is considered average, with 2.9 incidents per 1,000 individuals, the rate of property crimes is alarmingly high, with 52.6 crimes being reported per 1,000 residents.
It is important to note that property crimes are more common than violent crimes in the area, indicating that both residents and visitors are at a higher risk of experiencing property crime incidents.
The property crime statistics in this area are unfortunately quite high, and this can be partly attributed to the poverty rate which stands at 17.2%, exceeding the national average.
3. A Must-Visit Destination
Cities in Kentucky, namely Pikeville and Mayfield, are often in competition for the title of the second or third most dangerous city. This is because the statistics for both cities are quite similar.
Located in the heart of rural Kentucky, Pikeville boasts a population of nearly 7,000 residents. However, the majority of criminal activity within the city occurs in a concentrated area within the city limits. Despite its small size, Pikeville remains vigilant in maintaining the safety and security of its citizens.
Compared to most American cities, the town has a lower incidence of violent crime. Moreover, murder cases are exceptionally rare in this area.
This town has made it to the top of the list due to the alarmingly high rate of assaults. With a staggering 1.0 incidents per 1,000 people, it is concerning for a town of this size.
2. Mayfield
While Mayfield ranks second on this list, it is still considered a secure location when compared to the top spot.
Mayfield, unfortunately, has gained the reputation of being the second most dangerous city in the state with a violent crime rate of 4.1. This means that Mayfield is safer than only 5% of other cities in the United States, making it an area that requires extra caution.
According to statistics, the majority of violent crimes reported are in the form of assaults, resulting in a 2.7 rating. Unfortunately, this number also includes a number of murders each year.
The high crime rates are a concerning issue for the nearly 10,000 residents living in the area.
As you venture into Cartwright Grove, a replica of an 1880s old west town, you may find yourself transported to the Wild West era, complete with its notorious reputation for crime.
1. Louisville
At the top of the list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky is Louisville.
The rate of violent crime in this area is quite high, with 6.9 incidences per 1,000 residents. This figure is twice the state’s average, which is a cause for concern and calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of the community.
It is a well-known fact that larger cities tend to have higher crime rates. However, poverty levels in Louisville are also a contributing factor to the city’s crime rate. The correlation between poverty and crime cannot be ignored, and it is important to address this issue in order to create a safer community for all residents.
Regrettably, Louisville’s safety rate is just 4% higher than that of other cities.
The rate of property crime is nearly twice the average for both the state and the country.
According to statistics, both residents and visitors of the city have a 1 in 27 chance of falling prey to property crime.
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