Bowling Green, KY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bowling Green, KY

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bowling Green is 76.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 212 violent crimes reported in Bowling Green, equivalent to 285 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 23%. Additionally, Bowling Green recorded 2841 property crimes, amounting to 3817 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 95.3%.

Having a crime rate of 4102 per 100,000 residents, Bowling Green experiences a crime rate that is 76.49% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Bowling Green contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Every year, one in 27 people fall victim to a property crime in Bowling Green - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3817 per 100,000 people, Bowling Green has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bowling Green?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bowling Green residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 56 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 34% of Bowling Green residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 66% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Bowling Green a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Bowling Green, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bowling Green presents a total crime rate that is 76% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bowling Green experiences an average of 8.36 daily crimes, comprising 0.58 violent incidents and 7.78 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Bowling Green Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bowling Green. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bowling Green has increased by 3.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 10.6%, while property crimes have increased by 5.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bowling Green

Bowling Green has a poverty rate that stands at 25.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Bowling Green crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Bowling Green currently has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Bowling Green has a population density of 1773.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Bowling Green crime rates.

Bowling Green crime map