The first thing that comes to mind when most folks think about the beautiful Bluegrass State is our beauty and our friendly people are — but for those considering moving here, it’s important to consider the most dangerous cities in Kentucky, too. Because unfortunately, not everyone here IS friendly, or good-hearted. That is no more obvious than in the dangerous cities in Kentucky after dark, gathered via the reliable source known as Neighborhood Scout. All the data was calculated via the community’s specific mathematical algorithm and municipal crime statistics via the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department. These statistics show that the following are some of the most dangerous places in Kentucky:

1. Frankfort
Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Cmh2315fl/Flickr
The City Center and Lawrenceburg Road have the highest crime rating in Frankfort. There are 124 violent crimes, 1,152 property and you have a 1 in 222 chance of being the victim of a violent crime. Residents or Visitors have a 1 in 24 chance of being in a property crime. Frankfort rates an 8 on the national crime index.

Take a drive through downtown Frankfort:

2. Winchester
Winchester, KY 40391, USA
OzinOh/Flickr
The Bel Air Bon Haven areas seem to have the highest crime ratings in Winchester, which rates an 8 on the crime register. There are 42 violent crimes and around 835 property crimes annually. You have a 1 in 439 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 22 chance of experiencing a property crime. All in all, this is not too bad for the Beer Cheese capital in comparison to other cities.
3. Florence
Florence, KY, USA
Morgan/Flickr
The City Center and Hopeful Heights have the highest crime ratings, but overall the crime rate in Florence is a 7 out of 100. There are 62 violent crimes and around 1,480 property crimes annually. Individuals only have a 1 out of over 500 chance of a violent crime and a 1 in 22 for a property crime.
4. Versailles
Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Kermit Easterling II/Google
This beautiful community with rolling hills and horse farms rates 7 out of 100 on the crime index. There are around 14 violent crimes annually and 433 property crimes. You have a 1 out of 647 chance of being in a violent crime and a 1 out of 21 chance of being in a property crime. The problem areas seem to be Midway Road and Chestnut Lane, along with McCowane Ferry Road and Rocky Hills Lane.

Take a walk through downtown Versailles:

5. Richmond
Richmond, KY, USA
KY Photo File/Flickr
Big Hill, Main Street, and Lancaster Road are all problem areas. Richmond, in general, has a 6 out of 100, with 131 violent crimes and 1,570 for property crimes. Individuals have a 1 in 256 chance of being in a violent crime and a 1 out of 21 chance of being involved in a property crime.
6. Louisville
Louisville, KY, USA
LuAnn Snawder/Flickr
This is Kentucky’s biggest city, so it makes sense it has a high crime rate. Louisville rates a 6 on the crime index, with 100 being the safest. The absolute highest crime ratings occur in the western side of the city. There are over 2.289 violent crimes annually, 15,997 property crimes, and a total of 18, 286 "reported" crimes in general. There is an unknown amount of unreported crimes that occur as well. Louisville residents and visitors have a 1 in 158 chance of being in a violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of being a victim of another crime.
7. Bowling Green
Bowling Green, KY, USA
Neha Kankar/Google
Delafield, Eastland Park, and Center City are the worst. Other parts of Bowling Green are fine. The violent crimes here are around 219 with property crimes of around 3,139. They rate a 5 out of 100 on the national crime index. You have a 1 out of 285 chance of being a victim of violent crime here, and 1 in 20 for crime in general.
8. Ashland
Ashland, KY, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
The problem areas seem to be City Central, 29th Street, and Central Avenue, and Ashland has a heart dropping 4 rating out of 100, with 100 being safest. There are 67 violent crimes on average and around 1,187 property crimes. People have a 1 in 318 chance of suffering from a violent crime and a 1 in 18 of dealing with a property crime. I was a little surprised by the numbers in this quiet historical town.

Get an aerial view of Ashland:

9. Middlesboro
Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA
Richard Keith Sr/Google
City Center is also the roughest part of Middlesboro at night. They rate a 2 out of 100 on the safest city scale. There are only 15 violent crimes and around 656 property crimes annually. You have a 1 out of 658 chance to be involved in a violent crime and a 1 in 15 chance of a property crime.
10. Hazard
Hazard, KY, USA
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
City Center and Woodland Park are the most dangerous areas, but Hazard also rates a 1 out of 100 for safety. There are only 27 annual violent crimes and 388 property crimes, but the population is small. There are some beautiful spots here, but be weary where you wander after dark.
11. Pikeville
Pikeville, KY 41501, USA
USDA/Flickr
The City Center and Pleasant Valley seem to have the highest crime in Pikeville according to the data. This coal capital rates a surprising 1 out of 100 in national statistics, which is horrible. They have an average of 21 violent crimes and 641 property crimes. The people have a 1 out of 349 chance of falling prey to a violent crime and a 1 in 11 chance of being involved in a property crime.

Not everywhere in these cities should be considered bad. All communities tend to have a problem area or street. These are the current FBI and crime statistics for these neighborhoods, so please don’t blame the messenger. However, since we have shown 11 dangerous after-dark cities in Kentucky, here are some charming small towns across the state that will make you feel right at home.

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most dangerous places in Kentucky

Jackie Ann | March 11, 2021

What are the best things about living in Kentucky?

The best things about living in Kentucky include:

  • Diverse natural and cultural history
  • Strong workforce
  • Low cost of living

 

The Bluegrass state has a diverse natural and cultural history giving locals and visitors a wealth of opportunities unique to our region. From rural communities nestled in our breathtaking mountain ranges to cosmopolitan urban areas, there is something for everyone to love about living in Kentucky. With a growing manufacturing industry, strong education presence, and thriving healthcare sectors, our state boasts one of the strongest workforces in the country. Our cost of living is well below the national average and with the affordable real estate market, excellent school systems, and 45 stunning state parks to explore, Kentucky is an ideal spot for families to put down their roots.

What is Kentucky known for?

Kentucky is known for:

  • The Kentucky Derby
  • Bourbon

 

When thinking of Kentucky, images of sipping a cool mint julep at the Derby are likely to spring to mind. Bourbon is a passion for many Kentucky locals and we’ve become famous for the wealth and diversity of our bourbon distilleries. Along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, 20 distilleries dot the rolling green hillsides ranging in production from craft variety makers to some of the largest producers in the world. Spending a weekend traversing the lovely landscapes of the Bourbon Trail is a fascinating way to get a glimpse into the unique history of this beloved spirit. Along the way, visitors can tour facilities, attend bourbon tastings and see production in action.

Where are the best places to live in Kentucky?

The best places to live in Kentucky include:

  • Fort Thomas
  • Anchorage

 

Kentucky’s many charming small towns tucked away in lush landscapes and exciting cities full of modern amenities offer multiple livable locations to call home. One of the most favorable areas is Fort Thomas located in Campbell County. Situated on the southern banks of the Ohio River, this lovely town boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in Kentucky, a high average household income, and a crime rate ranking below our state average. Another highly regarded area is Anchorage, a suburban community located just outside of Louisville in eastern Jefferson County. This small, lively town of just 2,000 residents enjoys affluent neighborhoods and outstanding schools.

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