The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky


The most dangerous places in Kentucky are Hopkinsville and Louisville for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Kentucky research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Kentucky.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 77 Kentucky cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Kentucky is Hopkinsville based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Kentucky is 370 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Kentucky is 3,711 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Kentucky is Taylor Mill.

  • Kentucky is the 40th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


If you’re from Kentucky, then you know that you have to watch out for more than just crazy Wildcat fans in Lexington and moonshiners in Louisville.

Some pockets of the Bluegrass State are more dangerous than others.

With that in mind, we used Saturday Night Science to identify the most dangerous cities in Kentucky. We compared the FBI’s latest crime report for violent and property crime statistics per capita for 77 cities in Kentucky with over 5,000 residents. We discovered that Hopkinsville is the most violent place in Kentucky.

Louisville can’t catch a break as the city also made it on the list of the most dangerous cities in the country.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky For 2024

  1. Hopkinsville
  2. Louisville
  3. Owensboro
  4. Middlesboro
  5. Shively
  6. Bowling Green
  7. Oak Grove
  8. Newport
  9. Paducah
  10. Florence

What’s the most dangerous place in Kentucky? The most dangerous place in Kentucky is Hopkinsville.

If you already live in Kentucky’s safest city, Taylor Mill, consider yourself lucky. But if you don’t and you’re looking to move, we suggest reviewing our report before deciding where to live in Kentucky.

For more Kentucky reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Kentucky For 2024

Hopkinsville, KY

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 30,528
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 370 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,711 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Hopkinsville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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, KY

Source: Flickr User Alissa Barber Torres | CC BY-ND 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 678,236
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 981 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,309 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 192
More on Louisville: Data | Cost Of Living

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.

Owensboro, KY

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 59,839
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 369 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,459 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Owensboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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.

4. Middlesboro

Middlesboro, KY

Source: Wikipedia User Dwight Burdette | CC BY 3.0

Population: 9,213
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 293 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,636 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Middlesboro:

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.

Shively, KY

Source: Wikipedia User | CC-BY-2.5

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 15,438
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 485 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,096 (11th most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Shively: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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.

Bowling Green, KY

Source: Wikipedia User OPMaster at en.wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 74,427
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 284 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,817 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Bowling Green: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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.

Oak Grove, KY

Source: Flickr User isydiavibes | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 7,810
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 294 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,791 (15th most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Oak Grove: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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, KY

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 14,017
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 292 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,982 (14th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Newport: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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.

Paducah, KY

Source: Flickr User pasa47 | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 26,050
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 268 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,032 (13th most dangerous)
Murders: 6
More on Paducah: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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, KY

Source: Wikipedia User Larry Hachucka | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 32,341
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 194 (22nd most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,183 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Florence: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

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.

Crime By City In Kentucky

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Hopkinsville 30,528 4,081 370 3,711 5
2 Louisville 678,236 4,290 981 3,309 192
3 Owensboro 59,839 3,828 369 3,459 3
4 Middlesboro 9,213 3,929 293 3,636 0
5 Shively 15,438 3,582 485 3,096 5
6 Bowling Green 74,427 4,102 284 3,817 4
7 Oak Grove 7,810 3,085 294 2,791 3
8 Newport 14,017 3,274 292 2,982 1
9 Paducah 26,050 3,301 268 3,032 6
10 Florence 32,341 4,378 194 4,183 0
11 Lexington 320,983 2,986 270 2,715 33
12 Pikeville 7,190 2,475 305 2,169 0
13 Russellville 7,257 2,783 261 2,521 0
14 London 7,401 4,526 175 4,350 0
15 Winchester 18,989 3,565 184 3,380 0
16 Corbin 7,762 2,318 270 2,048 0
17 Mayfield 9,966 2,518 210 2,307 0
18 Central City 5,884 2,447 237 2,209 0
19 Franklin 10,174 2,879 186 2,693 0
20 Ashland 21,300 2,657 187 2,469 2
21 Radcliff 22,931 2,420 204 2,215 0
22 Henderson 27,503 2,279 243 2,036 2
23 Somerset 12,170 2,103 246 1,857 0
24 Covington 40,657 2,019 268 1,751 2
25 Frankfort 28,559 2,167 231 1,936 3
26 Morehead 7,030 2,019 241 1,778 0
27 St. Matthews 17,341 4,832 115 4,717 0
28 Middletown 9,600 3,197 135 3,062 0
29 Richmond 36,698 2,310 179 2,130 0
30 Shepherdsville 14,440 1,855 193 1,662 0
31 Leitchfield 6,433 1,880 186 1,694 0
32 Glasgow 15,194 2,060 164 1,895 0
33 Mount Sterling 7,544 3,207 92 3,115 0
34 Jeffersontown 28,519 2,647 108 2,538 1
35 Maysville 8,672 2,410 115 2,294 0
36 Princeton 6,191 1,663 161 1,502 1
37 Bardstown 13,712 1,808 138 1,670 0
38 Nicholasville 31,882 1,844 131 1,712 1
39 Hillview 8,721 1,639 149 1,490 0
40 Murray 17,506 1,776 131 1,645 0
41 La Grange 10,348 1,468 154 1,314 0
42 Monticello 5,685 1,407 158 1,248 0
43 Campbellsville 11,548 1,662 121 1,541 0
44 Danville 17,323 1,477 132 1,345 0
45 Lebanon 6,473 1,328 169 1,158 1
46 Hazard 5,011 1,097 179 917 0
47 Williamsburg 5,348 1,028 186 841 0
48 Georgetown 38,213 1,509 112 1,397 1
49 Dayton 5,685 1,002 175 826 0
50 Shelbyville 17,481 1,292 120 1,172 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Kentucky for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Kentucky. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Kentucky, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Kentucky.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Kentucky cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 77 cities in Kentucky.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 77 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Kentucky — Hopkinsville. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Kentucky and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Kentucky FAQs

No, Kentucky is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #11 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Kentucky ranks 40th most dangerous in the United States — 29.94% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Bluegrass State ranks 3most dangerous in the United States — 8.95% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

No, Lexington is not a dangerous city. Lexington ranks as the #160 safest out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Lexington might be considered safe you still need to be aware of where you are.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Lexington ranks 249th highest in America — 51.15% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 146th highest in the United States — 0.48% better than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Kentucky

Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Kentucky

So what is the most dangerous city in Kentucky? After analyzing 77 cities in Kentucky, Hopkinsville takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Kentucky based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Hopkinsville ranks as the most dangerous city in Kentucky for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Kentucky are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Hopkinsville and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What’s the most dangerous place in Kentucky? The most dangerous place in Kentucky is Hopkinsville.

If you already live in Kentucky’s safest city, Taylor Mill, consider yourself lucky. But if you don’t and you’re looking to move, we suggest reviewing our report before deciding where to live in Kentucky.

Learn more about the safest places in Kentucky.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Kentucky:

  1. Wilmore (Pop. 6,081)
  2. Flatwoods (Pop. 7,231)
  3. Villa Hills (Pop. 7,337)
  4. Mount Washington (Pop. 18,440)
  5. Independence (Pop. 29,211)
  6. Vine Grove (Pop. 6,843)
  7. Fort Thomas (Pop. 17,159)
  8. Erlanger (Pop. 24,147)
  9. Edgewood (Pop. 8,372)
  10. Taylor Mill (Pop. 6,821)

For more Kentucky reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

8 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky

  1. Your website is a MUST for anyone searching for properties when moving to another town or state within the USA. I fell in love with an old colonial home but, once I did more research and found this site, I learned it was one of ten worst cities within the state for crime, poverty, and other issues that would have made that move a really bad choice. Thank you…your site is on my favorite toolbar!

    1. And you probably believe that everyone on the internet who claims to be a French model actually is one. Some of these cities on the list do belong there, but because of a past job that I used to have, I lived in Frankfort, Owensboro, and Blowing Green at different times, and I never experienced or witnessed a crime of any type in any of those cities. I even walked around those cities alone at night and never even got so much as a menacing glance from anyone there. With that being said, I spent 3 months in Hazard in 2017. In Hazard, my driver’s side car window got busted out on night 5. A week later, I saw a man punch a woman in the face and knock her down on the ground on Main Street while they were loudly arguing about stolen drugs and stolen money. My apartment’s living room window screen was cut to pieces as if someone was trying to break into the apartment the second month that I was there. Every night while I was there, people argued and appeared to be dealing something in the parking lots of that apartment complex. It always smelled like human waste around there too, but so did certain other places in the city. Bedbugs and cockroaches were 2 types of critters that people were frequently getting invaded by around there. It seemed like half of the people in the city that I had to interact with had schizophrenia. 3 days before I left that rat hole, an old man who was very drunk in the middle of the day ran a stop sign and hit my car causing me neck and back injuries. The day that I left, a former neighbor told me that the night before, she and a few other people watched a woman with trach marks all over her body jump out of a dumpster with no clothes on and run out into the road almost getting hit by a car, then she ran over the hill and into the bushes talking to herself. Those are just some of the bad experiences that I went through in Hazard. Now I won’t even drive through that city under any circumstances.

  2. No prison in Winchester and my 62-year-old mom used to walk at night all the time down to speedway like at one in the morning

  3. I don’t know actually how you came up with your information, but it is way off. I have lived in Campbellsville for over twenty years now. Over all this is a very safe place to live. Of course from time to time there will be something that occurs, that is the same for anywhere there is people living in a social group. BUt seriously, you all are way off. People here are kind and helpful. We have good schools, and a caring community.

  4. This article must have been written by a liberal with fake facts. First off are we even considered Midwest? Secondly, Mayfield is 20 minutes from Paducah. About as far western as you can get, not central, and hours from Frankfort.

  5. I get how you are probably trying to make bigger cities seem better and the small backwoods cities of Kentucky bad because of “ percentages” . You rank Paducah at #1 yet in the past 10 years our highest murder rate was 2. Mainly a lot of 1’s and 0’s. How many did Louisville have? I’d rather live in an area where I am less likely to be shot by gang members

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