The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Kentucky For 2024

Hopkinsville, located in Christian County, Kentucky, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous place to live in the state for 2024. With a population of 30,528, this city has experienced concerning crime rates that contribute to its reputation for safety concerns. In particular, Hopkinsville has recorded 113 violent crimes, including 5 murders, 23 rapes, 28 robberies, and 57 aggravated assaults.

These crime statistics indicate a troubling environment for residents. However, it is important to note that while Hopkinsville faces significant challenges in crime rates, there is hope for improvement with dedicated efforts from law enforcement agencies and the community.

Louisville is not only the most populous in Kentucky, it is also number 1 in the state for violent crime. Whether you call this city home or are just stopping by, it is a good idea to have one of the area’s legendary Louisville Slugger baseball bats handy.

That accomplishment is probably not one you will see touted alongside Louisville’s other claims to fame, like hosting the Kentucky Derby, being the birthplace of Muhammad Ali, and more. But with 4,952 aggravated assaults, 1,276 robberies, 235 rapes, and 192 murders, it makes sense that the rank distinction goes to this city.

Do love banjo music? Want to kick up your boot heels to a rollicking fiddle solo? Well, then, you should consider planning a trip to Owensboro, home of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. If you need extra incentive, the town along the Ohio River in the western part of Kentucky also bills itself as the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” with an annual food festival to prove it.

However, stay vigilant while you’re tapping your toes and munching your ribs. Owensboro has its dark side as well. It ranks as the number 3 most dangerous community in Kentucky. This stems from a high rate of property crime, including 264 car thefts and 1,545 larcenies.

Welcome to Middlesboro, one of the most dangerous places to live in Kentucky. Middlesboro is the kind of place people have been desperate to get away from for decades. And when your city makes this list, that is just one more reason to pack up your bags and move on to one of the state’s more promising areas.

Residents who noticed the criminal activity occurring in 2022 may not be surprised by the city’s ranking. While violence was not a major issue, the community was not immune to it either. Reports of 19 aggravated assaults and 4 rapes contributed to the area’s 27 violent crimes. People here might take that as a sign that it is better to ditch Middlesboro sooner rather than later.

It is a good thing that a stop along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is in Shively. Residents here might want a cocktail or two with booze from the Stitzel-Weller Distillery to help them forget that their city is second highest in the state for murder.

The 26 aggravated assaults, 35 robberies, and 9 rapes reported in 2022 probably do not make anyone here feel much better about their personal safety either. Let’s just hope no one drowns their sorrows too much. You need to stay alert if you are going to thrive in this town.

The numbers do not lie when it comes to the dangers of Bowling Green — it’s the sixth most dangerous city in Kentucky for 2024. You need to be careful in this southern Kentucky city or you could wind up like one of the victims of the 212 violent crimes that occurred in 2022. Physical safety is not all you have to worry about. Of those incidents, 56 were robberies. So, your valuables are at risk here too.

And while the city is known for producing Corvettes, criminals here are happy to get their hands on any set of wheels — including yours. The people who reported the 289 car thefts in Bowling Green in 2022, learned that lesson the hard way.

You would think life in a city of 7,810 would be relatively safe and easy going. Not in Oak Grove. The crime numbers here may be smaller than those of other areas in the state but that does not make them insignificant. Members of the Oak Grove Police Department still have their work cut out for them.

Holding criminals accountable for making off with items that belong to others seems to be where most of their attention went in 2022. People in Oak Grove reported 139 larcenies, 42 burglaries, and 37 stolen cars that year.

Newport sits just across the Ohio river from Cincinnati. A 10-minute drive will take you into the center of pride of southern Ohio. Thus, while it technically sits in a different state, Newport acts as a kind of suburb to a major urban area.

With this context, the high crime rate in Newport doesn’t come as a surprise. This includes a major problem with violent crime. In a community of just 14,017 people, Newport suffered 16 sexual assaults. The town also has the number 29 highest pace of arsons.

When William Clark, of Lewis and Clark, founded Paducah in 1827, it is safe to assume he had grand plans for it. The area being named one of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky, was not likely one of them.

The people of Paducah can thank their community’s modern-day criminals for that. In fact, contempt for the law is so bad here compared to the rest of the state that the city ranks 11th highest for total crime. A status the 790 property crimes that took place in 2022 certainly had a role in achieving.

Florence, the 10 most dangerous place to live in Kentucky for 2024, faces significant safety issues. With a population of 32,341, this city in Boone County has experienced many crimes. The violent crime rate stands at 194/100k, including 0 murders, 20 rapes, 17 robberies, and 26 aggravated assaults. Property crime is also a significant concern, with 4,183/100k incidents reported.

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