Prestonsburg, KY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Prestonsburg, KY

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Prestonsburg crime rate is 48.8% 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 Prestonsburg, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 174 per 100,000 individuals, 53.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Prestonsburg recorded 41 property crimes, amounting to 1016 per 100,000 residents, 48% lower than the U.S. average.

In the latest reported crime year, Prestonsburg recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Is Prestonsburg a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Prestonsburg a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Prestonsburg crime rate is 49% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.13 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.11 property crimes.

Has Crime in Prestonsburg Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Prestonsburg crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Prestonsburg has increased by 11.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 40% and property crime has increased by 7.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Prestonsburg

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Prestonsburg crime rates. In Prestonsburg, the poverty rate stands at 48.7%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Prestonsburg reports an unemployment rate of 6.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Prestonsburg crime rates.

Prestonsburg has a population density of 243.1 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 Prestonsburg crime rates.

Prestonsburg crime map