Safest cities in Kentucky

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Known as the 'Bluegrass State,' Kentucky is famous for its rolling hills, horse farms, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the southeastern United States, Kentucky offers a diverse landscape that includes the Appalachian Mountains, fertile farmlands, and extensive cave systems. The state's economy is driven by industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and tourism. Louisville, the state's largest city, is renowned for the Kentucky Derby, a premier horse racing event held annually. Kentucky is also known for its bourbon distilleries, historic sites, and vibrant music scene, particularly bluegrass music.

The safest cities in Kentucky provide a high quality of life, with low crime rates enhancing overall livability. Safety is a fundamental aspect of strong communities, promoting economic growth and social stability. Factors contributing to the safety of Kentucky's cities include effective law enforcement, community involvement, and proactive public safety measures. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and accurate assessment of safety. This focus on security allows residents to fully enjoy Kentucky's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities without the constant worry of crime, making the state an appealing place to live.

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Flatwoods Population: 7,406 264 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 56 Property Crime / 100k: 208 chance of being a victim: 1 in 379

Flatwoods proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Kentucky. With only 264 crimes per 100,000 people, Flatwoods has a crime rate that is 93% lower than the Kentucky average. This equates to an average of 0.05 crimes per day and a 1 in 379 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Independence Population: 28,909 343 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 27 Property Crime / 100k: 316 chance of being a victim: 1 in 292

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Independence comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Kentucky with a crime rate of 343 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 24 counts of burglary, 239 counts of theft, 54 counts of vehicle theft, 7 counts of assault, 3 counts of robbery, 17 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Independence, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Vine Grove Population: 6,443 357 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 29 Property Crime / 100k: 328 chance of being a victim: 1 in 280

With a population of 6,443 and a total crime rate of 357 per 100,000 residents, Vine Grove is the 3rd safest city in Kentucky. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 93% lower than the Kentucky average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Taylor Mill Population: 6,957 374 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 43 Property Crime / 100k: 331 chance of being a victim: 1 in 268

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Taylor Mill is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 374, 93% lower than the Kentucky average. This amounts to 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 268 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Taylor Mill a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Wilmore Population: 6,581 473 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 16 Property Crime / 100k: 456 chance of being a victim: 1 in 212

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Wilmore consistently ranks high in safety. In Wilmore, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 473, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Edgewood Population: 8,969 477 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 60 Property Crime / 100k: 418 chance of being a victim: 1 in 210

Edgewood has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Kentucky. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 477 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the Kentucky average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 0 reports of burglary, 406 reports of theft, 12 reports of vehicle theft, 36 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 24 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Fort Thomas Population: 16,868 535 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 48 Property Crime / 100k: 487 chance of being a victim: 1 in 187

Fort Thomas ranks as the seventh safest city in Kentucky and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 187 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.25 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Fort Thomas’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Kentucky.

Fort Wright Population: 5,939 571 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 65 Property Crime / 100k: 506 chance of being a victim: 1 in 175

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Fort Wright is the 8th safest city in Kentucky. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 94% lower than the Kentucky average, reporting a total of 571 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Mount Washington Population: 15,040 590 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 32 Property Crime / 100k: 558 chance of being a victim: 1 in 169

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Mount Washington is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Kentucky, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 590 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 81% lower than the state average.

Erlanger Population: 19,751 595 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 71 Property Crime / 100k: 525 chance of being a victim: 1 in 168

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Kentucky, is Erlanger. With a low rate of crime that included 66 burglaries, 293 thefts, 166 vehicle thefts, 35 assaults, 5 robberies, 25 rapes and 5 homicides, the overall crime rate was 80% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Kentucky

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Flatwoods	7,406	56	208	264
2	Independence	28,909	27	316	343
3	Vine Grove	6,443	29	328	357
4	Taylor Mill	6,957	43	331	374
5	Wilmore	6,581	16	456	473
6	Edgewood	8,969	60	418	477
7	Fort Thomas	16,868	48	487	535
8	Fort Wright	5,939	65	506	571
9	Mount Washington	15,040	32	558	590
10	Erlanger	19,751	71	525	595
11	Lawrenceburg	11,704	57	539	596
12	Williamsburg	5,440	156	508	664
13	Madisonville	19,522	88	591	679
14	Prospect	5,071	0	703	703
15	Alexandria	9,927	56	724	779
16	Fort Mitchell	8,591	58	754	812
17	Versailles	9,568	69	757	826
18	Elizabethtown	31,333	137	698	835
19	Hazard	5,076	62	779	841
20	Monticello	6,193	88	789	876
21	Villa Hills	7,704	66	827	893
22	Elsmere	8,876	98	832	930
23	Paris	10,056	129	805	935
24	Berea	16,202	87	849	936
25	Dayton	5,734	240	737	977
26	La Grange	9,181	66	911	978
27	Harrodsburg	8,799	173	809	982
28	Franklin	9,114	142	881	1,023
29	Highland Heights	7,638	76	969	1,045
30	Central City	5,956	86	981	1,067
31	Bellevue	5,940	88	1,015	1,103
32	Lebanon	6,121	152	970	1,122
33	Shelbyville	16,838	134	1,008	1,141
34	Danville	17,223	109	1,046	1,155
35	Russellville	7,211	94	1,125	1,218
36	Corbin	7,722	191	1,084	1,275
37	Georgetown	35,429	122	1,169	1,291
38	Campbellsville	11,676	230	1,075	1,305
39	Somerset	11,896	259	1,075	1,334
40	Leitchfield	6,951	93	1,296	1,389
41	Cynthiana	6,419	152	1,242	1,394
42	Mount Sterling	7,404	211	1,201	1,413
43	Hillview	9,250	168	1,296	1,464
44	Morehead	7,952	106	1,362	1,468
45	Murray	19,988	99	1,429	1,528
46	Bardstown	13,551	165	1,394	1,559
47	Nicholasville	31,738	113	1,497	1,610
48	Pikeville	6,794	191	1,444	1,634
49	Princeton	6,227	16	1,717	1,733
50	Frankfort	28,807	202	1,643	1,845

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Kentucky is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Kentucky cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.