The first thing that comes to mind when most folks thinks 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. According to stats, the following are some of the most dangerous places in Kentucky:

  1. Frankfort

Cmh2315fl/Flickr The City Center and Lawrenceburg Road has the highest crime rating in Frankfort. There are 124 violent crimes, 1,152 property and you have a 1 in 222 change 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.

  1. Winchester

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 1 in 22 chance of experiencing a property crime. All in all, this is not to bad for the Beer Cheese capital in comparison to other cities.

  1. Florence

Morgan/Flickr The City Center and Hopeful Heights have the highest crime ratings, but overall the city’s crime rate 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.

  1. Versailles

Wandering Photo Nut/Flickr 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.

  1. Richmond

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.

  1. Louisville

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 1 in 23 change of being a victim of another crime.

  1. Bowling Green

eep/Flickr 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.

  1. Ashland

Doug Kerr/Flickr The problem areas seem to be City Central, 29th Street and Central Avenue, and the city 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.

  1. Middlesboro

DM/Flickr 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.

  1. Hazard

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.

  1. Pikeville

USDA/Flickr The City Center and Pleasant Valley seem to have the highest crime 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.

Cmh2315fl/Flickr

The City Center and Lawrenceburg Road has the highest crime rating in Frankfort. There are 124 violent crimes, 1,152 property and you have a 1 in 222 change 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.

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 1 in 22 chance of experiencing a property crime. All in all, this is not to bad for the Beer Cheese capital in comparison to other cities.

Morgan/Flickr

The City Center and Hopeful Heights have the highest crime ratings, but overall the city’s crime rate 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.

Wandering Photo Nut/Flickr

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.

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.

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 1 in 23 change of being a victim of another crime.

eep/Flickr

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.

Doug Kerr/Flickr

The problem areas seem to be City Central, 29th Street and Central Avenue, and the city 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.

DM/Flickr

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.

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.

USDA/Flickr

The City Center and Pleasant Valley seem to have the highest crime 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

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Address: Frankfort, KY 40601, USAAddress: Winchester, KY 40391, USAAddress: Florence, KY, USAAddress: Versailles, KY 40383, USAAddress: Richmond, KY, USAAddress: Louisville, KY, USAAddress: Bowling Green, KY, USAAddress: Ashland, KY, USAAddress: Middlesboro, KY 40965, USAAddress: Hazard, KY, USAAddress: Pikeville, KY 41501, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

most dangerous places in Kentucky March 11, 2021 Jackie Ann What are the best things about living in Kentucky? 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? 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 is the best place to live in Kentucky? 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 enjoy affluent neighborhoods and outstanding schools.

The OIYS Visitor Center

most dangerous places in Kentucky

March 11, 2021

Jackie Ann

What are the best things about living in Kentucky? 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? 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 is the best place to live in Kentucky? 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 enjoy affluent neighborhoods and outstanding schools.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

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?

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 is the best place to live in Kentucky?

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 enjoy affluent neighborhoods and outstanding schools.