Known for its whiskey distilleries, thoroughbred racing, and picturesque scenery, Kentucky also has problems with safety and crime. It is important for citizens, visitors, and legislators to be aware of the Kentucky cities with higher rates of crime.
By offering insights into crime trends, causes of higher rates, and potential remedies to these issues, this article seeks to shed light on Kentucky’s most hazardous cities.
People may decide what is best for their safety and well-being in the Bluegrass State by looking at these data-driven insights.
Paducah
At 2.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, the population of about 24,000 is typical when it comes to crime rates; yet, at 52.6 offenses per 1,000 persons, property crime is extraordinarily high.
Thus, the likelihood of property crimes occurring is higher among locals and guests than it is for violent crimes. The high poverty rate of 17.2%, which is higher than the national average, contributes to the high rates of property crimes.
Louisville
At 6.9 violent crime incidents per 1,000 residents, this rate is twice as high as the state average. Larger population centers naturally have greater crime rates, but Louisville also has higher rates of poverty, which raises the crime rate.
Sadly, compared to other cities, Louisville is only 4% safer. The average for property crime in the state and country is nearly doubled. In the city, there is a 1 in 27 risk that a resident or visitor will become the victim of property crime.
Pikeville
Based on comparable figures, Pikeville and Mayfield are among the most dangerous cities in Kentucky. Just under 7,000 people live in the little town of Pikeville, and within the city limits, an even smaller region is where most crimes happen.
Compared to most American cities, the town has a higher rate of violent crime, with extremely low murder rates. It ranks highly on our list because, for a small town of its size, assault rates are high—1.0 incidences per 1,000 residents.
Read Also: Michigan’s Crime Hotspots: Cities with the Highest Risk
Mayfield
Mayfield is seen as a safer place to be than the top rank. Mayfield is safer than 5% of other American cities, while being the second most dangerous city in the state with a violent crime rate of 4.1.
The violent crime rate is 2.7, with the majority of crimes being assaults. A number of homicides are also included in this statistic annually.
These have high crime rates considering the small town of 10,000 persons.
With Cartwright Grove, a recreation of an old west town from the 1880s, situated on the town limits, tourists may get the impression that they are in the Wild West due to the high crime rate.
Read Also: Indianapolis Crime Statistics for 2024: An In-Depth Look at Facts and Figures
Shively
Shively is a Louisville suburb that is well-known as a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but it also sees its fair share of violent crimes.
The entire municipality is vulnerable to crime, with a low property crime rate of 33.5 offenses per 1,000 residents. Shively doesn’t have many safe neighborhoods unless you live very far out of town.
For example, the northeastern part of the town experiences 82 crimes annually, whereas the southeastern part barely has eight. There were 3.4 violent offenses for every 1,000 crimes.
Read Also: From Serenity to Danger: New Jersey’s Small Town Surges in Crime
To Conclude
Despite having a reputation for being a friendly and diverse state, Kentucky has problems with crime and safety in several of its communities.
Data that examines the rates of violent and property crime has shown that Paducah, Louisville, Pikeville, Mayfield, and Shively are the most hazardous cities in Kentucky.
These cities struggle with a number of difficulties that lead to greater crime rates, such as underlying social concerns, resource constraints, and socioeconomic inequality.
Comprehensive approaches including community involvement, law enforcement efforts, and economic development activities are needed to address these root problems.
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