This City Is The “Most Dangerous City” In Kentucky State, With The Highest Crime Rate

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the most dangerous city in Kentucky in 2023 was Newport, with a violent crime rate of 38.04 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by Bowling Green, with a violent crime rate of 28.37 per 1,000 residents.

It is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly from one year to the next, and that even the most dangerous cities in Kentucky are relatively safe compared to many other cities in the United States.

Here is a list of the 10 most dangerous cities in Kentucky in 2022, based on the violent crime rate:

1. Newport
2. Bowling Green
3. Shively
4. Paducah
5. Covington
6. Pikeville
7. Ashland
8. Versailles
9. Fort Wright
10. Morehead

Newport: A Struggle Against Crime

Newport, located in Campbell County, Kentucky, was the city with the highest violent crime rate in the state in 2023, with a staggering rate of 38.04 incidents per 1,000 residents. This rate is over three times the national average. In 2022, Newport witnessed 56 violent crimes, including two murders, 10 robberies, and 44 assaults, leaving the community grappling with safety concerns.

Bowling Green: A Higher Crime Rate

Bowling Green, in Warren County, Kentucky, ranks second on the list with a violent crime rate of 28.37 per 1,000 residents, which is more than twice the national average. The city reported a total of 171 violent crimes in 2022, which included six murders, 19 robberies, and 146 assaults. The residents of Bowling Green faced a higher risk of violent incidents compared to many other parts of the state.

Shively: Addressing Safety Concerns

Shively, located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, ranked third on the list with a violent crime rate of 27.61 per 1,000 residents. This rate is also more than twice the national average. In 2022, Shively experienced 44 violent crimes, consisting of one murder, 10 robberies, and 33 assaults. The city’s residents grappled with the challenge of maintaining safety and security.

Paducah: Striving for Safety

Paducah, situated in McCracken County, Kentucky, had a violent crime rate of 26.82 per 1,000 residents in 2022, again more than twice the national average. The city reported a total of 67 violent crimes, including one murder, 12 robberies, and 54 assaults. For the residents of Paducah, concerns about crime were a significant issue in their daily lives.

Covington: Safety in Question

Covington, located in Kenton County, Kentucky, reported a violent crime rate of 26.24 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national average. In 2022, the city witnessed 105 violent crimes, which included two murders, 15 robberies, and 88 assaults. The residents of Covington had to grapple with the pressing issue of safety and security in their community.

Pikeville: Facing Safety Challenges

Pikeville, situated in Pike County, Kentucky, had a violent crime rate of 25.68 per 1,000 residents in 2022, more than twice the national average. The city reported 15 violent crimes, including one murder, two robberies, and 12 assaults. Safety concerns were undoubtedly a top priority for the residents of Pikeville.

Ashland: A Community’s Battle

Ashland, located in Boyd County, Kentucky, ranked seventh with a violent crime rate of 25.42 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national average. In 2022, Ashland recorded 53 violent crimes, including one murder, nine robberies, and 43 assaults. The community faced safety challenges that required attention and action.

Versailles: Maintaining Safety

Versailles, a city in Woodford County, Kentucky, had a violent crime rate of 23.08 per 1,000 residents in 2022, more than twice the national average. The city experienced 20 violent crimes, which included one murder, two robberies, and 17 assaults. The residents of Versailles aimed to maintain a safe living environment despite these challenges.

Fort Wright: A Struggle Against Crime

Fort Wright, located in Kenton County, Kentucky, had a violent crime rate of 22.93 per 1,000 residents in 2022, exceeding the national average. The city reported 13 violent crimes, which included 12 assaults and one robbery, while fortunately having no murders. Safety remained a critical concern for the residents of Fort Wright.

Morehead: Safety on the Minds of Residents

Morehead, situated in Rowan County, Kentucky, had a violent crime rate of 22.87 per 1,000 residents in 2022, more than twice the national average. The city reported 16 violent crimes, including two robberies and 14 assaults, with no reported murders. Safety and security were significant issues that Morehead residents had to address.

Conclusion

While the rankings of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky in 2022 are based on violent crime rates, it is essential to recognize that crime rates can fluctuate from year to year. Furthermore, these statistics do not account for other factors such as the overall quality of life or economic opportunities in these cities. The communities in these cities are undoubtedly working to address these safety concerns, striving for a safer and more secure environment for their residents. In the grander context of the United States, even the most dangerous cities in Kentucky remain relatively safe compared to many other cities across the nation.