Kentucky's 25 Most Dangerous Cities - Updated 2023

Unmasking Kentucky's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in total crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across Kentucky. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in Kentucky is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in Kentucky. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in Kentucky.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in Kentucky with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within Kentucky. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Highland Heights

County: Campbell

1,362

Crime per 100,000 population

-55.18%

vs. Kentucky average

-53.23%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Highland Heights from 2012 to 2022

Highland Heights is an area in Campbell, Kentucky with population of 6,896. The total crime rate in Highland Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilder Police Department (KY0191200). Highland Heights total crime rate is 1,362 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Highland Heights

#24 Mount Sterling

County: Montgomery

1,383

Crime per 100,000 population

-54.48%

vs. Kentucky average

-52.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Mount Sterling from 2012 to 2022

Mount Sterling is an area in Montgomery, Kentucky with population of 7,517. The total crime rate in Mount Sterling is based on the nearest law agency agency, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (KY0870000). Mount Sterling total crime rate is 1,383 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mount Sterling

#23 Nicholasville

County: Jessamine

1,406

Crime per 100,000 population

-53.72%

vs. Kentucky average

-51.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Nicholasville from 2012 to 2022

Nicholasville is an area in Jessamine, Kentucky with population of 31,066. The total crime rate in Nicholasville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Nicholasville Police Department (KY0570100). Nicholasville total crime rate is 1,406 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Nicholasville

#22 Bellevue

County: Campbell

1,554

Crime per 100,000 population

-48.84%

vs. Kentucky average

-46.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Bellevue from 2012 to 2022

Bellevue is an area in Campbell, Kentucky with population of 5,578. The total crime rate in Bellevue is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bellevue Police Department (KY0190100). Bellevue total crime rate is 1,554 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bellevue

#21 Harrodsburg

County: Mercer

1,588

Crime per 100,000 population

-47.72%

vs. Kentucky average

-45.44%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Harrodsburg from 2012 to 2022

Harrodsburg is an area in Mercer, Kentucky with population of 8,952. The total crime rate in Harrodsburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Harrodsburg Police Department (KY0840100). Harrodsburg total crime rate is 1,588 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Harrodsburg

#20 Leitchfield

County: Grayson

1,755

Crime per 100,000 population

-42.23%

vs. Kentucky average

-39.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Leitchfield from 2012 to 2022

Leitchfield is an area in Grayson, Kentucky with population of 6,427. The total crime rate in Leitchfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Leitchfield Police Department (KY0430100). Leitchfield total crime rate is 1,755 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Leitchfield

#19 Vine Grove

County: Hardin

2,026

Crime per 100,000 population

-33.32%

vs. Kentucky average

-30.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Vine Grove from 2012 to 2022

Vine Grove is an area in Hardin, Kentucky with population of 6,397. The total crime rate in Vine Grove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Radcliff Police Department (KY0470200). Vine Grove total crime rate is 2,026 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Vine Grove

#18 Radcliff

County: Hardin

2,026

Crime per 100,000 population

-33.32%

vs. Kentucky average

-30.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Radcliff from 2012 to 2022

Radcliff is an area in Hardin, Kentucky with population of 22,839. The total crime rate in Radcliff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Radcliff Police Department (KY0470200). Radcliff total crime rate is 2,026 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Radcliff

#17 Princeton

County: Caldwell

2,159

Crime per 100,000 population

-28.96%

vs. Kentucky average

-25.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Princeton from 2012 to 2022

Princeton is an area in Caldwell, Kentucky with population of 6,206. The total crime rate in Princeton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Princeton Police Department (KY0170100). Princeton total crime rate is 2,159 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Princeton

#16 Richmond

County: Madison

2,190

Crime per 100,000 population

-27.93%

vs. Kentucky average

-24.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Richmond from 2012 to 2022

Richmond is an area in Madison, Kentucky with population of 34,662. The total crime rate in Richmond is based on the nearest law agency agency, Berea Police Department (KY0760100). Richmond total crime rate is 2,190 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Richmond

#15 Berea

County: Madison

2,190

Crime per 100,000 population

-27.93%

vs. Kentucky average

-24.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Berea from 2012 to 2022

Berea is an area in Madison, Kentucky with population of 15,465. The total crime rate in Berea is based on the nearest law agency agency, Berea Police Department (KY0760100). Berea total crime rate is 2,190 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Berea

#14 Dayton

County: Campbell

2,229

Crime per 100,000 population

-26.65%

vs. Kentucky average

-23.46%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Dayton from 2012 to 2022

Dayton is an area in Campbell, Kentucky with population of 5,641. The total crime rate in Dayton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dayton Police Department (KY0190300). Dayton total crime rate is 2,229 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dayton

#13 Paris

County: Bourbon

2,276

Crime per 100,000 population

-25.09%

vs. Kentucky average

-21.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Paris from 2012 to 2022

Paris is an area in Bourbon, Kentucky with population of 10,202. The total crime rate in Paris is based on the nearest law agency agency, Paris Police Department (KY0090100). Paris total crime rate is 2,276 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Paris

#12 Jeffersontown

County: Jefferson

2,403

Crime per 100,000 population

-20.92%

vs. Kentucky average

-17.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Jeffersontown from 2012 to 2022

Jeffersontown is an area in Jefferson, Kentucky with population of 28,800. The total crime rate in Jeffersontown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Jeffersontown Police Department (KY0561000). Jeffersontown total crime rate is 2,403 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Jeffersontown

#11 Lexington

County: Fayette

2,704

Crime per 100,000 population

-11.01%

vs. Kentucky average

-7.13%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Lexington from 2012 to 2022

Lexington is an area in Fayette, Kentucky with population of 321,354. The total crime rate in Lexington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lexington Police Department (KY0340200). Lexington total crime rate is 2,704 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lexington

#10 Murray

County: Calloway

2,729

Crime per 100,000 population

-10.2%

vs. Kentucky average

-6.29%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Murray from 2012 to 2022

Murray is an area in Calloway, Kentucky with population of 17,241. The total crime rate in Murray is based on the nearest law agency agency, Murray Police Department (KY0180100). Murray total crime rate is 2,729 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Murray

#9 Mayfield

County: Graves

2,773

Crime per 100,000 population

-8.75%

vs. Kentucky average

-4.78%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Mayfield from 2012 to 2022

Mayfield is an area in Graves, Kentucky with population of 10,041. The total crime rate in Mayfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mayfield Police Department (KY0420100). Mayfield total crime rate is 2,773 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mayfield

#8 Pikeville

County: Pike

2,796

Crime per 100,000 population

-7.97%

vs. Kentucky average

-3.96%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Pikeville from 2012 to 2022

Pikeville is an area in Pike, Kentucky with population of 7,376. The total crime rate in Pikeville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pikeville Police Department (KY0980100). Pikeville total crime rate is 2,796 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pikeville

#7 Newport

County: Campbell

2,951

Crime per 100,000 population

-2.88%

vs. Kentucky average

+1.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Newport from 2012 to 2022

Newport is an area in Campbell, Kentucky with population of 14,378. The total crime rate in Newport is based on the nearest law agency agency, Newport Police Department (KY0190600). Newport total crime rate is 2,951 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Newport

#6 London

County: Laurel

3,015

Crime per 100,000 population

-0.77%

vs. Kentucky average

+3.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in London from 2012 to 2022

London is an area in Laurel, Kentucky with population of 7,492. The total crime rate in London is based on the nearest law agency agency, London Police Department (KY0630100). London total crime rate is 3,015 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in London

#5 Campbellsville

County: Taylor

3,248

Crime per 100,000 population

+6.89%

vs. Kentucky average

+11.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Campbellsville from 2012 to 2022

Campbellsville is an area in Taylor, Kentucky with population of 11,345. The total crime rate in Campbellsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Campbellsville Police Department (KY1090100). Campbellsville total crime rate is 3,248 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Campbellsville

#4 Versailles

County: Woodford

3,293

Crime per 100,000 population

+8.35%

vs. Kentucky average

+13.07%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Versailles from 2012 to 2022

Versailles is an area in Woodford, Kentucky with population of 10,196. The total crime rate in Versailles is based on the nearest law agency agency, Versailles Police Department (KY1200100). Versailles total crime rate is 3,293 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Versailles

#3 Maysville

County: Mason

3,570

Crime per 100,000 population

+17.48%

vs. Kentucky average

+22.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Maysville from 2012 to 2022

Maysville is an area in Mason, Kentucky with population of 8,851. The total crime rate in Maysville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Maysville Police Department (KY0810100). Maysville total crime rate is 3,570 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Maysville

#2 St. Matthews

County: Jefferson

4,508

Crime per 100,000 population

+48.36%

vs. Kentucky average

+54.82%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in St. Matthews from 2012 to 2022

St. Matthews is an area in Jefferson, Kentucky with population of 17,588. The total crime rate in St. Matthews is based on the nearest law agency agency, St. Matthews Police Department (KY0560300). St. Matthews total crime rate is 4,508 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in St. Matthews

#1 Louisville

County: Jefferson

8,748

Crime per 100,000 population

+187.86%

vs. Kentucky average

+200.4%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Louisville from 2012 to 2022

Louisville is an area in Jefferson, Kentucky with population of 1,022,630. The total crime rate in Louisville is based on the nearest law agency agency, West Buechel Police Department (KY0560600). Louisville total crime rate is 8,748 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 3,039.28 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Louisville

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Kentucky

Safety Tips for Total Crime in Kentucky

Explore More on Crime Rates in Kentucky

Interested in learning more about crime rates in Kentucky? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in Kentucky for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in Kentucky.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

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