Study: Safest Cities in Kentucky

By Rebecca Lake

Kentucky is beautiful and full of culture and tradition. These 50 cities and towns are also incredibly safe. Did your hometown make the list?

Safest Cities in Kentucky 2016 © CreditDonkey

Kentucky is a prime destination if you’re a fan of bluegrass music, horse racing, and the stunning landscape provided by the Appalachian Mountains. Louisville is easily Kentucky’s largest and most recognizable city, but when it comes to safety, these cities and towns on our list steal the show.

Both the violent and property crime rates in the Bluegrass State fall well below the national average, and the overall odds of becoming a victim of either one are exceedingly low. According to the state Department of Public Advocacy, Kentucky’s crime rate has declined by 17% in the last three decades. Violent crime is down by 31%.

CreditDonkey spent some time researching which cities rise above the rest where crime is concerned. If you’re a Kentucky native or you’re thinking of relocating here, we’ve designed this guide to the state’s 50 safest cities with you in mind.

Study Methodology

We relied on the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report data from 2014 to compile our rankings. We studied violent and property crime rates per 1,000 inhabitants, as well as the robbery and burglary rates per 1,000 inhabitants. Those two crimes got special attention because of how frequently they occur.

For our rankings, we focused on the following violent crimes:

Murder
Rape
Robbery
Aggravated assault

On the property crime side, we considered:

Burglary
Larceny/theft
Motor vehicle theft
Arson

Using the overall violent and property crime rates along with the robbery and burglary rates, we calculated a CreditDonkey safety score for each Kentucky city with a population of 2,500 or more. Each city was then ranked according to its safety score, with a lower score corresponding to a lower occurrence of crime. The top 50 cities are listed here, starting with the city that got the best safety score first.

Safest Cities 2016: Rankings

1. Stanford

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 2.
Burglary per 1,000: 1.1
CreditDonkey safety score: 0.8

As the second oldest city in the state, Stanford takes the top honor of being Kentucky’s safest place to live, with no violent crimes and eight property crimes reported in 2014. Four of those were burglaries, while the other four involved larcenies. Kudos to the Stanford Police Department for making the city so secure.

2. Prospect

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
Property crime per 1,000: 4.7
Burglary per 1,000: 0.6
CreditDonkey safety score: 1.4

Prospect, one of Kentucky’s more affluent communities, is a small but sought-after suburb of Louisville. It’s highly deserving of its second-place ranking, with just one violent crime (a robbery) and 23 property crimes reported in 2014. Comfortable homes, beautiful neighborhoods, and safe streets are Prospect’s most alluring features.

3. Hodgenville

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 3.4
Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
CreditDonkey safety score: 1.5

The Hodgenville Police Department serves a population of roughly 3,200 residents, and officers take the task of preserving public safety seriously. That shines through in the city’s outstanding crime rate, which totaled 13 incidents altogether for 2014. There were no robberies and a half dozen burglaries on the books.

4. Greenville

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
Property crime per 1,000: 4.3
Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
CreditDonkey safety score: 1.5

Greenville’s police force puts a high value on integrity, honesty, and reliability when carrying out its duties. Officers work closely with members of the community to reduce and prevent crime at every turn. Greenville’s place in the top five reflects how effective the department’s tactics have proven to be.

5. Flatwoods

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 2.0
Burglary per 1,000: 2.0
CreditDonkey safety score: 1.7

Dubbed the “Good Neighbor Community,” Flatwoods is a peaceful place to settle down in the larger Ashland metro area. In 2014, Flatwoods didn’t report any violent crimes. The city’s police department is on a mission to sustain law and order while ensuring citizens have the best quality of life possible. Limiting criminal acts is a part of making it happen.

6. West Liberty

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 4.9
Burglary per 1,000: 1.2
CreditDonkey safety score: 1.8

West Liberty is tucked away in the foothills of eastern Kentucky, not far from the Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s one of the region’s undiscovered gems, particularly where safety is concerned. Three violent crimes and 16 property crimes were reported in 2014, with no robberies and four burglaries included in that number.

7. Pioneer Village

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 6.1
Burglary per 1,000: 1.1
CreditDonkey safety score: 1.9

The town of Pioneer Village is located in the northern Kentucky bluegrass region, about 17 miles south of Louisville. Around 2,800 people make their homes here, and they enjoy a low-key, virtually crime-free lifestyle. The Pioneer Village Police Department goes above and beyond to ensure that safety for all the city’s residents remains the status quo.

8. Fort Thomas

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 7.2
Burglary per 1,000: 1.5
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.3

Fort Thomas’ motto is the “City of Beautiful Homes,” but that only describes one aspect of why it’s such a desirable place to live. Its location along the Ohio River makes it convenient for working professionals to access Cincinnati, and the crime rate is impressive for a city of this size. As proof, there were six violent crimes reported among Fort Thomas’ 16,000 residents in 2014.

9. Beaver Dam

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
Property crime per 1,000: 8.7
Burglary per 1,000: 0.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.5

Community involvement is a focal point of the Beaver Dam Police Department’s crime-fighting strategy. Auxiliary police officers assist regular members of the department to keep the peace at public events while the Citizen’s Police Academy provides everyday folks with an inside look at what officers do on a daily basis to keep Beaver Dam safe.

10. Hartford

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 6.3
Burglary per 1,000: 3.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.5

Hartford is “The Home of 2,000 Happy People and a Few Soreheads,” and newcomers are always greeted with friendly faces. It’s yet another city in our rankings to boast a violent crime rate of zero for 2014, and on the property crime side, there were 17 incidents reported. Hartford’s police department is always working hard to keep crime as low as possible.

11. Independence

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
Property crime per 1,000: 7.7
Burglary per 1,000: 1.8
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.5

The city of Independence, situated about 15 miles south of Cincinnati, is a unique place to live if you’re seeking urban amenities in a rural setting. More than 26,000 people live here, making it the largest city in our rankings by population. The Independence Police Department works hand in hand with citizens to prevent crime through programs like Volunteers in Police Service and R.A.D., which offers self-defense training for women.

12. Villa Hills

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 7.8
Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.6

Villa Hills is a special place to live, and it’s been recognized as one of the top suburbs in the greater Cincinnati area. Highly rated schools and affordable homes draw in families, but there’s also a large contingent of retirees who are living out their golden years here. Villa Hills has an excellent reputation for safety, which adds to its popularity.

13. Barbourville

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 7.3
Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.7

For nearly 70 years, Barbourville has played host to the Daniel Boone Festival, which commemorates this historic hero of the American frontier. The event attracts thousands of visitors, but that doesn’t hurt the city’s crime rate. In 2014, the Barbourville Police Department reported no violent crimes and 23 property crimes, including 11 burglaries.

14. Lawrenceburg

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
Property crime per 1,000: 7.3
Burglary per 1,000: 2.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.8

Lawrenceburg is a quaint, historic city of approximately 11,000 people located a dozen or so miles south of Frankfort. It’s also less than 25 miles west of Lexington, which is a plus for workers who commute to either city. Lawrenceburg ranks high on the livability scale, in part because of how infrequently crime occurs.

15. Southgate

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 7.6
Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.8

Even though it’s a scant five miles from Cincinnati, Southgate still manages to hold onto its small town appeal. The city has a dedicated police force that works tirelessly to keep crime from getting out of hand. Two robberies and two aggravated assaults made up the violent crime rate for 2014, while just eight burglaries were reported out of a total 29 property crimes.

16. Taylor Mill

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
Property crime per 1,000: 9.2
Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.9

Taylor Mill is a city that’s “Taylored with Pride,” and one of the things residents are most proud of is the stellar crime rate. Two robberies and four aggravated assaults were reported in 2014, along with seven burglaries. There were fewer than 70 crimes reported altogether, which is a mark of how determined the Taylor Mill Police Department is to control crime.

17. Springfield

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
Property crime per 1,000: 6.5
Burglary per 1,000: 3.8
CreditDonkey safety score: 2.9

The city of Springfield is steeped in tradition, but it has an eye fixed firmly on the future. Slightly more than 2,600 people live in the area, and they value its modern amenities and old-fashioned feel. They’re also grateful to live in a city where crime isn’t a regular feature of daily life. 2014 saw three violent crimes and 17 property crimes reported to law enforcement.

18. Indian Hills

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 8.5
Burglary per 1,000: 3.4
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.1

Though small in size, Indian Hills has a big personality. It’s known as one of the Louisville area’s most prosperous suburbs. The Indian Hills Police Department is responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of nearly 3,000 citizens, and we applaud their efforts to preserve serenity in the city.

19. Central City

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.5
Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
Property crime per 1,000: 10.2
Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.1

If you’re on the hunt for a town that overflows with hospitality and boasts a rich musical history, look no further than Central City. Known primarily for being the hometown of the Everly Brothers, this quiet western Kentucky hideaway has a lot of character but very little crime. One robbery and three burglaries were reported in 2014, which makes it deserving of a place in our rankings.

20. Eminence

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 8.7
Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.2

Eminence is an all-American city with a tightly-woven fabric of community. It’s the kind of place where you can count on your neighbors to have your back, and that’s partly why crime is such a rarity. One violent crime and 22 property crimes were noted in 2014, nine of which were burglaries.

21. Mount Washington

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
Property crime per 1,000: 9.5
Burglary per 1,000: 2.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.2

Although Mount Washington has seen its population climb steadily in recent years, the influx of new residents hasn’t had a negative impact on crime. This Louisville suburb experienced five violent crimes in 2014, which included one robbery and no murders. The Mount Washington Police Department deserves to be commended for their part in upholding a high standard of safety.

22. Highland Heights

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
Property crime per 1,000: 10.2
Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.2

The motto of Highland Heights is “Growth Through Progress,” and this forward-thinking city is home to a mix of retirees, working professionals, families, and college students. It’s less than 10 miles from Cincinnati, so residents have easy access to the Queen City. Fortunately, Cincinnati’s higher crime rate hasn’t trickled down to this tranquil community.

23. Wilmore

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 10.3
Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.3

Wilmore is nothing if not charming. A walk down its tree-lined streets is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Events like a weekly farmer’s market and Gospel on the Green offer a safe environment in which friends and neighbors can come together. As evidence of what a good job the Wilmore Police Department is doing, the 2014 tally for this community was just zero robberies and 13 burglaries.

24. Providence

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 9.3
Burglary per 1,000: 3.8
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.5

Providence is part of Kentucky’s coal mining region, and each year, residents celebrate that heritage at the annual Coal Festival. They do so in safety, thanks to the members of the Providence Police Department that assist with patrolling the event. They also keep a lid on crime the rest of the year, which is why Providence made it into our top 25.

25. Graymoor-Devondale

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 10.2
Burglary per 1,000: 3.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.7

The cities of Graymoor and Devondale merged to become one 30 years ago, and since then, residents have lived in relative harmony. The Caring Neighbors program, administered by the Graymoor-Devondale Police Department, contributes to the pleasant atmosphere. Officers identify at-risk residents and keep a special eye on them to make sure they’re staying safe.

26. Morganfield

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
Robbery per 1,000: 0.6
Property crime per 1,000: 11.3
Burglary per 1,000: 2.8
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.9

A little more than 3,500 people live in Morganfield, which is tucked away in the western Kentucky landscape. Crime is practically nonexistent and people are able to live, work, and play without fear of being victimized. In 2014, there were three violent crimes and 40 property crimes reported. Robberies and burglaries accounted for two and 10 of those reports, respectively.

27. Brandenburg

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
Property crime per 1,000: 10.6
Burglary per 1,000: 3.4
CreditDonkey safety score: 3.9

Brandenburg is considered a gateway to Kentucky’s heartland, and it’s not the kind of place you want to pass by. If you desire a safe place to raise children or embark on a relaxing retirement that’s still within driving distance of Louisville, this is it. Brandenburg reported four violent crimes in 2014, including one robbery, and 31 property crimes — all relatively low numbers that surely give residents here peace of mind.

28. Columbia

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 11.0
Burglary per 1,000: 4.2
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.0

Like Brandenburg, the city of Columbia also emphasizes the importance of family. Events like the annual “Downtown Days” and the Adair County Fair are designed to draw residents together and strengthen community ties. Brandenburg’s police force also helps in fostering that closeness through programs like Neighborhood Watch and the senior citizens’ Crime College.

29. Eddyville

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 14.4
Burglary per 1,000: 3.0
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4

Eddyville is a city that takes crime and justice seriously. The Kentucky State Penitentiary is located on the outskirts of town. Within the city’s borders, the Eddyville Police Department patrols routinely to detect any suspicious activity. Their diligent attention meant that no violent crimes were reported in 2014, and the number of property crimes came to 38.

30. Flemingsburg

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
Property crime per 1,000: 11.1
Burglary per 1,000: 5.6
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4

Flemingsburg is a city that has growth on its mind, and it rivals some of Kentucky’s larger municipalities for economic opportunities. It embodies all of the best aspects of small-town living, including warm, welcoming people and an overwhelming sense of safety. One robbery comprised the entire violent crime rate for 2016 while the number of burglaries was capped at 15.

31. Williamsburg

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.7
Robbery per 1,000: 0.8
Property crime per 1,000: 12.8
Burglary per 1,000: 2.4
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4

The Cumberland River flows through Williamsburg, and the city itself borders the Daniel Boone National Forest, making it an ideal spot for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Williamsburg’s 5,300 residents are served by a full-time police force, complete with two K-9 officers. The department works in cooperation with citizens to ensure that their city continues to be one of the safest in the state.

32. Vine Grove

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 13.5
Burglary per 1,000: 3.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.5

Vine Grove is a stone’s throw from the Army post of Fort Knox, which also happens to be the home of the U.S. Bullion Depository. Nearly 5,500 people live in the city, and new housing developments are underway to accommodate transplants who come in search of a safe place to live. Vine Grove certainly delivers, with only five violent crimes reported in 2014.

33. Edgewood

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
Property crime per 1,000: 16.8
Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.6

Edgewood is a city “Where Every Day Is a Walk in the Park,” and that’s a fitting motto for this picturesque community. There are plenty of green spaces, including two large parks where you can play with the kids or unpack a picnic lunch. Edgewood police staff are there 24/7, every week of the year, to keep an eye out for crime.

34. Fort Mitchell

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 15.0
Burglary per 1,000: 2.4
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.6

Close to 8,300 people live in Fort Mitchell, which sits approximately 6 miles to the southwest of Cincinnati. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, especially if you want to come home to safe surroundings at the end of a long work day. There were four violent crimes reported here in 2014 (all robberies) and 124 property crimes.

35. Russell

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
Property crime per 1,000: 15.2
Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.6

Russell is the next-door neighbor to Flatwoods, and the two have a lot in common from a safety standpoint. Three violent crimes were reported in 2014, broken down into one robbery and two aggravated assaults. Property crime was more frequent, but the number of incidents topped out at 50, which included seven burglaries.

36. La Grange

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.5
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 14.4
Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7

The La Grange Police Department was founded way back in 1840. While the force itself has evolved over the years, the one that hasn’t changed is its commitment to protecting citizens. Block watch, house watch, and the Citizens Police Academy are examples of some of the many ways in which officers are actively promoting safety.

37. Wilder

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.6
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 16.5
Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.8

Wilder’s close proximity to Cincinnati has it allowed it to grow economically, and it’s helped the city to attract new residents from far and wide. As a bedroom community, it offers affordable housing, low taxes, and a solid, small-business scene. The infrequency of crime is the icing on the cake, and residents have Wilder’s Police Department to thank for it.

38. Simpsonville

Violent crime per 1,000: 2.3
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 15.9
Burglary per 1,000: 1.5
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9

Simpsonville is the American Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World, and the landscape is darted with some of the most prestigious farms in the world. Visitors come from miles around to tour the stables, and the city’s residents are always ready to extend a heartfelt greeting. Their cheery mood may be due to the fact that their hometown is exceptionally safe.

39. Paintsville

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 16.8
Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9

Whether you prefer shopping for antiques or hitting the links, Paintsville has the recreational outlet you’re looking for. In fact, just about all that’s lacking is a high crime rate, which residents appreciate. There were four violent crimes and 72 property crimes reported in 2014, with two robberies and seven burglaries among the count.

40. Stanton

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 16.2
Burglary per 1,000: 3.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.2

Stanton is made for outdoor adventurers, and it serves as the beginning point of the Red River Gorge byway. There are numerous hiking and biking trails nearby or you can explore the stone arches and waterfalls inside the gorge itself. If you run into trouble, the Stanton Police Department is standing by to come to your aid.

41. Dawson Springs

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 14.2
Burglary per 1,000: 7.3
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5

Dawson Springs is another place where you can soak up all that Mother Nature has to offer. You can go fishing or boating along Lake Beshear, bike your way through the hills, or take a leisurely horseback ride through the Pennyrile State Resort Park. Dawson Springs reported one violent crime and 39 property crimes in 2014, so whatever you do, fears about safety won’t overshadow your fun.

42. Lakeside Park-Crestview

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
Property crime per 1,000: 18.2
Burglary per 1,000: 3.2
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5

The cities of Lakeside Park and Crestview are two independent entities served by a unified police department. Officers work in partnership with residents of both cities to ensure safety for all. The Citizen Observer program and Citizens Police Academy offer locals two unique opportunities to interact with law enforcement in a positive way.

43. Carrollton

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.7
Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
Property crime per 1,000: 17.0
Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.6

At the junction of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, Carrollton is the city where rivers and people meet. Residents are easygoing for the most part, so it won’t take long for new arrivals to feel at home. The impressively low crime rate and the knowledge that the Carrollton Police Department is always on patrol make settling in that much easier.

44. Marion

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 17.9
Burglary per 1,000: 4.0
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.8

Nicknamed “Kentucky’s Hidden Treasure,” Marion offers a priceless living experience for people of all ages. Playing at the city’s parks, browsing its eclectic shops, and paying a visit to the local Amish community are some of the ways residents pass the time. The Marion Police Department and the Crittenden County Sheriff both maintain a strong presence, which helps keep crime at bay.

45. Park Hills

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
Property crime per 1,000: 18.3
Burglary per 1,000: 4.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.8

The Park Hills Police Department provides law enforcement services to the citizens of Park Hills, as well as those of nearby Bromley. Both cities are suburbs of Cincinnati and both are extremely livable, thanks to the effort that officers make to quell crime. For 2014, Park Hills reported a single violent crime and 55 property crimes.

46. Alexandria

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 20.8
Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

The city meets the country in Alexandria, and its central location is one of its best features. Cincinnati is a relatively short drive away, which is suitable if you work or go to school in the bigger city or you want to head out to a Reds game on the weekend. At the end of the day, Alexandria offers a safe retreat from the outside world.

47. Williamstown

Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 19.7
Burglary per 1,000: 4.0
CreditDonkey safety score: 6.2

Williamstown is a city in transition as it moves from being a bedroom community to a popular vacation hub. It’s been recognized as a Playful City USA, and the local parks provide a near-perfect setting for family fun. Residents don’t have to be overly concerned about crime while the Williamstown Police Department is on watch.

48. Madisonville

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
Property crime per 1,000: 19.9
Burglary per 1,000: 4.2
CreditDonkey safety score: 6.3

The city of Madisonville has weathered tornadoes and ice storms, and each time, residents emerged stronger than ever. As a leading manufacturing hub, it’s got a strong economy, which is one reason why crime is minimal. Another is the Madisonville Police Department, which patrols the city by car, motorcycle, and bicycle to head off crime.

49. Shelbyville

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.7
Robbery per 1,000: 0.7
Property crime per 1,000: 18.8
Burglary per 1,000: 4.0
CreditDonkey safety score: 6.3

Shelbyville blends agriculture, business, and industry seamlessly to create a city that’s economically stable and demographically diverse. Close to 15,000 people live here, which makes it one of the larger cities in our rankings, and the Shelbyville Police Department greets the task of protecting them all with enthusiasm. Residents who want to get to know officers better are invited to go for a ride-along or take a tour of the department.

50. Lebanon

Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
Property crime per 1,000: 18.2
Burglary per 1,000: 5.1
CreditDonkey safety score: 6.4

Last, but certainly not least, is Lebanon, which sits in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. The Maker’s Mark Distillery, less than 10 miles away, is a favorite attraction among tourists. As the host of various arts and cultural events, Lebanon sees its own fair share of visitors but thankfully, they don’t bring crime with them when they come to town.

Conclusion

In creating this guide, we hope we’ve shed some light on which Kentucky cities represent the cream of the crop in terms of safety. If your hometown made its way into our rankings, that’s likely to help you sleep a little easier at night. To learn more about staying safe no matter where you live, take a look at CreditDonkey’s essential tips for home security.

The Top 50 Safest Cities in Kentucky

Rank	City	Population	Total # of Violent Crimes¹	Total # of Property Crimes²	Violent Crime Per 1,000	Robbery Per 1,000	Property Crime Per 1,000	Burglary Per 1,000
1	Stanford	3,654	0	8	0.0	0.0	2.2	1.1
2	Prospect	4,877	1	23	0.2	0.2	4.7	0.6
3	Hodgenville	3,219	2	11	0.6	0.0	3.4	1.9
4	Greenville	4,408	5	19	1.1	0.2	4.3	0.5
5	Flatwoods	7,436	0	37	0.0	0.0	5.0	2.0
6	West Liberty	3,269	3	16	0.9	0.0	4.9	1.2
7	Pioneer Village	2,792	1	17	0.4	0.0	6.1	1.1
8	Fort Thomas	16,228	6	117	0.4	0.0	7.2	1.5
9	Beaver Dam	3,566	2	31	0.6	0.3	8.7	0.3
10	Hartford	2,707	0	17	0.0	0.0	6.3	3.7
11	Independence	26,433	13	203	0.5	0.1	7.7	1.8
12	Villa Hills	7,440	1	58	0.1	0.0	7.8	2.3
13	Barbourville	3,152	0	23	0.0	0.0	7.3	3.5
14	Lawrenceburg	11,120	10	81	0.9	0.2	7.3	2.7
15	Southgate	3,819	4	29	1.0	0.5	7.6	2.1
16	Taylor Mill	6,746	6	62	0.9	0.3	9.2	1.0
17	Springfield	2,630	3	17	1.1	0.4	6.5	3.8
18	Indian Hills	2,949	1	25	0.3	0.0	8.5	3.4
19	Central City	5,882	9	60	1.5	0.2	10.2	0.5
20	Eminence	2,517	1	22	0.4	0.0	8.7	3.6
21	Mount Washington	12,170	5	116	0.4	0.1	9.5	2.7
22	Highland Heights	6,934	4	71	0.6	0.3	10.2	1.7
23	Wilmore	6,124	6	63	1.0	0.0	10.3	2.1
24	Providence	3,134	3	29	1.0	0.0	9.3	3.8
25	Graymoor-Devondale	2,940	2	30	0.7	0.0	10.2	3.7
26	Morganfield	3,555	3	40	0.8	0.6	11.3	2.8
27	Brandenburg	2,933	4	31	1.4	0.3	10.6	3.4
28	Columbia	4,526	3	50	0.7	0.0	11.0	4.2
29	Eddyville	2,642	0	38	0.0	0.0	14.4	3.0
30	Flemingsburg	2,699	1	30	0.4	0.4	11.1	5.6
31	Williamsburg	5,314	9	68	1.7	0.8	12.8	2.4
32	Vine Grove	5,479	5	74	0.9	0.0	13.5	3.7
33	Edgewood	8,752	1	147	0.1	0.1	16.8	1.3
34	Fort Mitchell	8,288	4	124	0.5	0.5	15.0	2.4
35	Russell	3,292	3	50	0.9	0.3	15.2	2.1
36	La Grange	8,426	13	121	1.5	0.5	14.4	2.3
37	Wilder	3,098	5	51	1.6	0.0	16.5	1.3
38	Simpsonville	2,645	6	42	2.3	0.0	15.9	1.5
39	Paintsville	4,294	4	72	0.9	0.5	16.8	1.6
40	Stanton	2,716	3	44	1.1	0.0	16.2	3.3
41	Dawson Springs	2,752	1	39	0.4	0.0	14.2	7.3
42	Lakeside Park-Crestview Hills	5,945	2	108	0.3	0.2	18.2	3.2
43	Carrollton	4,009	7	68	1.7	0.2	17.0	3.5
44	Marion	3,015	4	54	1.3	0.0	17.9	4.0
45	Park Hills	3,004	1	55	0.3	0.0	18.3	4.7
46	Alexandria	8,768	6	182	0.7	0.5	20.8	1.7
47	Williamstown	3,958	2	78	0.5	0.5	19.7	4.0
48	Madisonville	19,760	19	393	1.0	0.1	19.9	4.2
49	Shelbyville	14,925	25	280	1.7	0.7	18.8	4.0
50	Lebanon	5,653	10	103	1.8	0.5	18.2	5.1

¹Violent crime includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
²Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

Rebecca Lake is a journalist at CreditDonkey, a home security comparison and reviews website. Write to Rebecca Lake at rebecca@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Read Next:

Security