Just like every other state, there are dangerous places in Kentucky that make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. No matter what anyone says, though, Kentucky is a lovely place to live. If your heart belongs to the Bluegrass State, you know lists like these, while backed by statistics, do not indicate that a city is necessarily a bad place to call home. In fact, you could argue that some of the cities on this list are charming and have plenty to offer. Nevertheless, the FBI comes out with statistics every so often (the most recent was 2019), and the site RoadSnacks then analyzes them. The site focused on violent crimes and property crimes and how many were committed per 100,000 residents. According to that data, here are some of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky, listed in no particular order:

1. Paducah
Paducah, KY, USA
Flickr/Paul Sableman
It may surprise you that Paducah, one of our favorite day-trip destinations in the Bluegrass, comes in as the city with the highest crime rate in Kentucky. With a population of over 24,000 and significant crime rates, it's definitely a place to exercise caution when visiting. But don't let that deter you from visiting this beautiful, riverfront city.

Take a driving tour through Paducah:

2. Mayfield
Mayfield, KY 42066, USA
Flickr/Paul Sableman
Mayfield is a quintessential small town that, sadly, has seen a steep upswing in violent crime in the last few years. Though Mayfield is home to Cartwright Grove, a re-creation of an old west town in the 1880s, you might feel like you really are in the Wild West while in this city. A community of 9,791, Mayfield is certainly rough around the edges.
3. Oak Grove
Oak Grove, KY, USA
Flickr/Carol VanHook
Though it's a popular place for outdoor recreation in Kentucky, Oak Grove isn't immune to crime. It's the smallest city on this list and has actually seen a decrease in violent crime over the years... however. You would think life in a city of 7,299 would be relatively safe and easygoing. 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.
4. Bowling Green
Bowling Green, KY, USA
Flickr/L. Allen Brewer
Though it's home to one of the most charming downtowns in Kentucky, Bowling Green is a larger city in the Bluegrass, so it makes sense that it would see more crime. You need to be careful in this southern Kentucky city or you could wind up like one of the victims of the 247 violent crimes that occurred in 2020. Physical safety is not all you have to worry about. Of those incidents, 71 were robberies. So, your valuables are at risk here too.

Get an aerial view of Bowling Green:

5. Campbellsville
Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Flickr/Brent Moore
For such a small town of just over 11,000 people, it's surprising to hear that it saw a fairly large number of violent and property crimes. But even so, with its location near scenic Green River Lake, don't hesitate to visit for a getaway.
6. Newport
Newport, KY 41071, USA
Flickr/Paul Sableman
A gangster mecca way back when; today, Newport is an urban, riverfront town in Kentucky that is filled with history. While its overall crime ranking isn't the greatest, with so much development and restoration happening here, it is still a great place to visit.

Get a closer look at Newport:

7. Shively
Shively, KY, USA
Wikipedia
A popular point along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the town of Shively is a suburb of Louisville and unfortunately sees its fair share of violent crime. Ranked the highest in Kentucky for murder, Shively is a place addled with both violent and property crime.
8. Owensboro
Owensboro, KY, USA
Flickr/Don Barrett
Known for BBQ, Owensboro is another larger city in Kentucky, so of course it sees a bit more action. But we happen to love Owensboro for all of its activities along the river, fun things to do, and of course the delicious Bluegrass barbecue!
9. Frankfort
Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Flickr/Gary Todd
Our state's capital city is home to much history and is also in the heart of the Bourbon Trail. But it has seen an increase in both violent and property crimes.
10. Radcliff
Radcliff, KY, USA
Flickr/frankieleon
Radcliff is a small town not far from Elizabethtown that has, unfortunately, had its fair share of crime over the years -- especially in proportion to how small it is.

While these may be the most dangerous cities in Kentucky, they are also home to many people and we happen to think there are great things about all of them. But these lists are still fun to check out! What do you think about this list of the worst cities in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

If danger is your middle name, be sure to check out these 9 potentially dangerous places in Kentucky.

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Most dangerous cities in Kentucky

Sarah M. | June 04, 2022

What is another of the most dangerous places in Kentucky?

Another one of the most dangerous places in Kentucky is Red River Gorge.

The Bluegrass State is a big, beautiful place, but there are some dangerous spots in Kentucky, as well. For example, it is no secret that some of the most deadly things in nature are also gorgeous to look at... just look at the Grand Canyon, after all! The Kentucky equivalent of a Grand Canyon is, of course, Red River Gorge. And while immensely wondrous and wonderful, there are spots in the Gorge known to be popular among rock climbers. The thrill of hanging by your fingers and toes, with nothing in between you and a huge drop appeals to intrepid adventure-seekers, and we don't blame them, as the call of the Grand Canyon of Kentucky is downright irresistible. Still, those who are drawn to this type of danger should also be aware of the dangers it can hold. There are no safety nets, and a fall can be deadly. Nevertheless, Red River Gorge is one of the most spectacular spots in the country, and absolutely worth exploring. Just be careful!

Are there many dangerous natural disasters in Kentucky?

Dangerous natural disasters in Kentucky are relatively infrequent.

Kentucky is generally a pretty laid-back and mild place to be — we have milder winters and not too much in the way of extreme natural disasters or dangerous weather. However, that being said, Kentucky has been known to experience things like flooding and tornadoes, and even a random freak snowstorm or two. In these instances, however, we're always touched by how the kind folks of Kentucky band together to help each other out, as was the case in the devastating tornado that ripped through Western Kentucky in 2021.

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