Kentucky's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Homicide Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking Kentucky's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in homicide 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 Shepherdsville

County: Bullitt

2.45

Crime per 100,000 population

-66.05%

vs. Kentucky average

-54.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Shepherdsville from 2012 to 2022

Shepherdsville is an area in Bullitt, Kentucky with population of 13,918. The homicide crime rate in Shepherdsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bullitt County Sheriff's Office (KY0150000). Shepherdsville homicide crime rate is 2.45 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Shepherdsville

#24 London

County: Laurel

2.46

Crime per 100,000 population

-65.91%

vs. Kentucky average

-54.62%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in London from 2012 to 2022

London is an area in Laurel, Kentucky with population of 7,492. The homicide crime rate in London is based on the nearest law agency agency, London Police Department (KY0630100). London homicide crime rate is 2.46 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in London

#23 Versailles

County: Woodford

2.58

Crime per 100,000 population

-64.25%

vs. Kentucky average

-52.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Versailles from 2012 to 2022

Versailles is an area in Woodford, Kentucky with population of 10,196. The homicide crime rate in Versailles is based on the nearest law agency agency, Versailles Police Department (KY1200100). Versailles homicide crime rate is 2.58 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Versailles

#22 Oak Grove

County: Christian

2.78

Crime per 100,000 population

-61.47%

vs. Kentucky average

-48.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Oak Grove from 2012 to 2022

Oak Grove is an area in Christian, Kentucky with population of 7,699. The homicide crime rate in Oak Grove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Christian County Sheriff's Office (KY0240000). Oak Grove homicide crime rate is 2.78 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oak Grove

#21 Hopkinsville

County: Christian

2.78

Crime per 100,000 population

-61.47%

vs. Kentucky average

-48.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Hopkinsville from 2012 to 2022

Hopkinsville is an area in Christian, Kentucky with population of 30,771. The homicide crime rate in Hopkinsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Christian County Sheriff's Office (KY0240000). Hopkinsville homicide crime rate is 2.78 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hopkinsville

#20 Fort Campbell North

County: Christian

2.78

Crime per 100,000 population

-61.47%

vs. Kentucky average

-48.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Fort Campbell North from 2012 to 2022

Fort Campbell North is an area in Christian, Kentucky with population of 13,323. The homicide crime rate in Fort Campbell North is based on the nearest law agency agency, Christian County Sheriff's Office (KY0240000). Fort Campbell North homicide crime rate is 2.78 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fort Campbell North

#19 Frankfort

County: Franklin

3.02

Crime per 100,000 population

-58.15%

vs. Kentucky average

-44.29%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Frankfort from 2012 to 2022

Frankfort is an area in Franklin, Kentucky with population of 28,479. The homicide crime rate in Frankfort is based on the nearest law agency agency, Franklin County Sheriff's Office (KY0370000). Frankfort homicide crime rate is 3.02 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Frankfort

#18 Monticello

County: Wayne

3.25

Crime per 100,000 population

-54.96%

vs. Kentucky average

-40.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Monticello from 2012 to 2022

Monticello is an area in Wayne, Kentucky with population of 5,782. The homicide crime rate in Monticello is based on the nearest law agency agency, Monticello Police Department (KY1160100). Monticello homicide crime rate is 3.25 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Monticello

#17 Highland Heights

County: Campbell

3.26

Crime per 100,000 population

-54.82%

vs. Kentucky average

-39.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Highland Heights is an area in Campbell, Kentucky with population of 6,896. The homicide crime rate in Highland Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilder Police Department (KY0191200). Highland Heights homicide crime rate is 3.26 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Highland Heights

#16 Walton

County: Boone

3.84

Crime per 100,000 population

-46.78%

vs. Kentucky average

-29.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Walton from 2012 to 2022

Walton is an area in Boone, Kentucky with population of 5,333. The homicide crime rate in Walton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kenton County Police Department (KY0590500). Walton homicide crime rate is 3.84 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Walton

#15 Newport

County: Campbell

3.94

Crime per 100,000 population

-45.4%

vs. Kentucky average

-27.32%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Newport from 2012 to 2022

Newport is an area in Campbell, Kentucky with population of 14,378. The homicide crime rate in Newport is based on the nearest law agency agency, Newport Police Department (KY0190600). Newport homicide crime rate is 3.94 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Newport

#14 Mayfield

County: Graves

4.07

Crime per 100,000 population

-43.6%

vs. Kentucky average

-24.92%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Mayfield from 2012 to 2022

Mayfield is an area in Graves, Kentucky with population of 10,041. The homicide crime rate in Mayfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mayfield Police Department (KY0420100). Mayfield homicide crime rate is 4.07 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mayfield

#13 Pikeville

County: Pike

4.18

Crime per 100,000 population

-42.07%

vs. Kentucky average

-22.89%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Pikeville from 2012 to 2022

Pikeville is an area in Pike, Kentucky with population of 7,376. The homicide crime rate in Pikeville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pikeville Police Department (KY0980100). Pikeville homicide crime rate is 4.18 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pikeville

#12 Madisonville

County: Hopkins

4.18

Crime per 100,000 population

-42.07%

vs. Kentucky average

-22.89%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Madisonville from 2012 to 2022

Madisonville is an area in Hopkins, Kentucky with population of 19,533. The homicide crime rate in Madisonville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Madisonville Police Department (KY0540100). Madisonville homicide crime rate is 4.18 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Madisonville

#11 Murray

County: Calloway

4.2

Crime per 100,000 population

-41.8%

vs. Kentucky average

-22.52%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Murray from 2012 to 2022

Murray is an area in Calloway, Kentucky with population of 17,241. The homicide crime rate in Murray is based on the nearest law agency agency, Murray Police Department (KY0180100). Murray homicide crime rate is 4.2 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Murray

#10 Morehead

County: Rowan

4.2

Crime per 100,000 population

-41.8%

vs. Kentucky average

-22.52%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Morehead from 2012 to 2022

Morehead is an area in Rowan, Kentucky with population of 6,994. The homicide crime rate in Morehead is based on the nearest law agency agency, Morehead Police Department (KY1030100). Morehead homicide crime rate is 4.2 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Morehead

#9 Bardstown

County: Nelson

4.56

Crime per 100,000 population

-36.81%

vs. Kentucky average

-15.88%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Bardstown from 2012 to 2022

Bardstown is an area in Nelson, Kentucky with population of 13,425. The homicide crime rate in Bardstown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Nelson County Sheriff's Office (KY0900000). Bardstown homicide crime rate is 4.56 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bardstown

#8 Elizabethtown

County: Hardin

4.63

Crime per 100,000 population

-35.84%

vs. Kentucky average

-14.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Elizabethtown from 2012 to 2022

Elizabethtown is an area in Hardin, Kentucky with population of 78,446. The homicide crime rate in Elizabethtown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Elizabethtown Police Department (KY0470100). Elizabethtown homicide crime rate is 4.63 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Elizabethtown

#7 Elsmere

County: Kenton

4.67

Crime per 100,000 population

-35.28%

vs. Kentucky average

-13.85%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Elsmere from 2012 to 2022

Elsmere is an area in Kenton, Kentucky with population of 9,080. The homicide crime rate in Elsmere is based on the nearest law agency agency, Elsmere Police Department (KY0590200). Elsmere homicide crime rate is 4.67 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Elsmere

#6 Princeton

County: Caldwell

4.93

Crime per 100,000 population

-31.68%

vs. Kentucky average

-9.06%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Princeton from 2012 to 2022

Princeton is an area in Caldwell, Kentucky with population of 6,206. The homicide crime rate in Princeton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Princeton Police Department (KY0170100). Princeton homicide crime rate is 4.93 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Princeton

#5 Lexington

County: Fayette

7.15

Crime per 100,000 population

-0.91%

vs. Kentucky average

+31.89%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lexington from 2012 to 2022

Lexington is an area in Fayette, Kentucky with population of 321,354. The homicide crime rate in Lexington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lexington Police Department (KY0340200). Lexington homicide crime rate is 7.15 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lexington

#4 Vine Grove

County: Hardin

7.45

Crime per 100,000 population

+3.24%

vs. Kentucky average

+37.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Vine Grove is an area in Hardin, Kentucky with population of 6,397. The homicide crime rate in Vine Grove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Radcliff Police Department (KY0470200). Vine Grove homicide crime rate is 7.45 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Vine Grove

#3 Radcliff

County: Hardin

7.45

Crime per 100,000 population

+3.24%

vs. Kentucky average

+37.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Radcliff from 2012 to 2022

Radcliff is an area in Hardin, Kentucky with population of 22,839. The homicide crime rate in Radcliff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Radcliff Police Department (KY0470200). Radcliff homicide crime rate is 7.45 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Radcliff

#2 Campbellsville

County: Taylor

8.52

Crime per 100,000 population

+18.07%

vs. Kentucky average

+57.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Campbellsville from 2012 to 2022

Campbellsville is an area in Taylor, Kentucky with population of 11,345. The homicide crime rate in Campbellsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Campbellsville Police Department (KY1090100). Campbellsville homicide crime rate is 8.52 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Campbellsville

#1 Shively

County: Jefferson

23.57

Crime per 100,000 population

+226.64%

vs. Kentucky average

+334.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Shively from 2012 to 2022

Shively is an area in Jefferson, Kentucky with population of 15,638. The homicide crime rate in Shively is based on the nearest law agency agency, Shively Police Department (KY0560400). Shively homicide crime rate is 23.57 per 100,000 population, compared to Kentucky average of 7.22 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Shively

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Kentucky

Safety Tips for Homicide 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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