Independence, KY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Independence, KY

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Independence crime rate is 81.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Independence, there were 20 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 68 per 100,000 individuals, 81.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Independence recorded 106 property crimes, amounting to 363 per 100,000 residents, 81.4% lower than the U.S. average.

Independence enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 431, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Independence as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Independence distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 68 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Independence among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Independence records a property crime rate of 363 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Independence as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

Is Independence a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Independence is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Independence has a total crime rate that is 81% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.35 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.29 daily property crimes) in Independence.

Has Crime in Independence Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Independence. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Independence has increased by 10.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 13%, while property crimes have increased by 16.5%. 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 Independence

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Independence crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Independence has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Independence, the cost of living is 1% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Independence is $179,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Independence crime map