Kentucky is a state known for its natural beauty, horse racing, bourbon, and bluegrass music. However, it also has some of the most dangerous places in the country, where residents face high risks of becoming victims of violent and property crimes. In this article, we will look at the top cities with the highest crime rates in Kentucky, based on the data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program and the Kentucky State Police.
1. Hopkinsville
Hopkinsville is the most dangerous city in Kentucky, with a population of 30,787 and a crime rate of 56.7 per 1,000 residents. The city recorded 118 violent crimes, including 9 murders, 16 rapes, 19 robberies, and 74 aggravated assaults, and 1,614 property crimes, including 239 burglaries, 1,209 thefts, and 166 motor vehicle thefts in 2021.
Hopkinsville has a violent crime rate of 3.83 per 1,000 residents, which is 34% higher than the national average, and a property crime rate of 52.44 per 1,000 residents, which is 202% higher than the national average.
2. Bowling Green
Bowling Green is the second most dangerous city in Kentucky, with a population of 70,543 and a crime rate of 46.8 per 1,000 residents. The city recorded 264 violent crimes, including 4 murders, 36 rapes, 49 robberies, and 175 aggravated assaults, and 3,019 property crimes, including 459 burglaries, 2,268 thefts, and 292 motor vehicle thefts in 2021.
Bowling Green has a violent crime rate of 3.74 per 1,000 residents, which is 31% higher than the national average, and a property crime rate of 42.79 per 1,000 residents, which is 158% higher than the national average.
3. Louisville
Louisville is the third most dangerous city in Kentucky, with a population of 617,638 and a crime rate of 45.9 per 1,000 residents. The city recorded 6,034 violent crimes, including 173 murders, 402 rapes, 1,590 robberies, and 3,869 aggravated assaults, and 22,956 property crimes, including 4,181 burglaries, 15,894 thefts, and 2,881 motor vehicle thefts in 2021.
Louisville has a violent crime rate of 9.77 per 1,000 residents, which is 117% higher than the national average, and a property crime rate of 37.17 per 1,000 residents, which is 109% higher than the national average.
4. Shively
Shively is the fourth most dangerous city in Kentucky, with a population of 15,690 and a crime rate of 45.4 per 1,000 residents. The city recorded 93 violent crimes, including 2 murders, 13 rapes, 17 robberies, and 61 aggravated assaults, and 618 property crimes, including 113 burglaries, 437 thefts, and 68 motor vehicle thefts in 2021.
Shively has a violent crime rate of 5.93 per 1,000 residents, which is 68% higher than the national average, and a property crime rate of 39.39 per 1,000 residents, which is 116% higher than the national average.
5. Mayfield
Mayfield is the fifth most dangerous city in Kentucky, with a population of 9,874 and a crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 residents. The city recorded 40 violent crimes, including 1 murder, 6 rapes, 5 robberies, and 28 aggravated assaults, and 403 property crimes, including 67 burglaries, 300 thefts, and 36 motor vehicle thefts in 2021.
Mayfield has a violent crime rate of 4.05 per 1,000 residents, which is 42% higher than the national average, and a property crime rate of 40.82 per 1,000 residents, which is 120% higher than the national average.
Conclusion
The top cities with the highest crime rates in Kentucky are Hopkinsville, Bowling Green, Louisville, Shively, and Mayfield. These cities have crime rates that are significantly higher than the state and national averages, and pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of their residents.
While there may be various factors that contribute to the high crime rates in these cities, such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and lack of social services, it is important to recognize the need for effective crime prevention and reduction strategies that involve the collaboration of law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and local governments.
By addressing the root causes of crime and providing adequate resources and support for the victims and offenders, these cities may be able to improve their quality of life and reduce their crime rates in the future.
