Located in the east south-central region of the United States, Kentucky is home to 4.4 million people. Designated as a commonwealth, the state is the 26th most populous and 37th largest U.S. state. The state’s major cities are Louisville and Lexington, and it is known as having the world’s longest cave system, the longest navigable waterways in the contiguous United States, and two large man-made lakes. The state has the nation’s most productive coalfield but is also noted for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and horse racing. If you’d like to live in the Bluegrass State, here are the 15 safest cities in Kentucky
Related: Check out our Kentucky Public Records guide..
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 212 for violent crime and 2,247 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.
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#1 Fort Thomas
Located in Campbell County, the city of Fort Thomas is home to 16,300 residents. The community sits on the southern bank of the Ohio River and is considered a suburb of Cincinnati. The city is known for its quality schools and is the safest place to live in the state of Kentucky. The violent crime rate in Fort Thomas is 42.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.4%.
#2 Lawrenceburg
A city in Anderson County, Lawrenceburg is home to 10,500 residents. Also the county seat, the community encompasses 5.8 square miles and is the site of both the Four Roses and Wild Turkey bourbon distilleries. Another safe choice, the violent crime rate here is 66.2, and residents of Lawrenceburg have a 1.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#3 Independence
Located in Kenton County, the city of Independence is home to 24,700 residents. Considered a suburb of Cincinnati, the community is also one of two county seats, and the city lies on the southern bank of the Ohio River. The violent crime rate in Independence is 72.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.1%.
#4 Murray
A city in Calloway County, Murray is home to 17,700 residents. Also the county seat, the community is just 7 miles north of the Tennessee border and is home to Murray State University, a four-year public university with 10,000 students. Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 112 and residents of Murray have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#5 Madisonville
Located in Hopkins County, the city of Madisonville is home to 19,300 residents. Also the county seat, the community is a part of the Western Coal Fields region, and it is now a manufacturing hub in the area, with major employers such as GE Aviation, Carhartt, and Ahlstrom. The violent crime rate in Madisonville is 121.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.3%.
#6 Elizabethtown
A city in Hardin County, Elizabethtown is home to 29,300 residents. Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Louisville, encompasses 25.8 square miles, and is served by two different school districts. The violent crime rate here is 149.7, and residents of Elizabethtown have a 3.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#7 Jeffersontown
Located in Jefferson County, the city of Jeffersontown is home to 26,500 residents. Considered a major suburb of Louisville, the community was founded in 1797, encompasses just 10 square miles, and is the home of the headquarters of Papa John’s Pizza. The violent crime rate in Jeffersontown is 168, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.2%.
#8 Glasgow
A city in Barren County, Glasgow is home to 14,000 residents. Also the county seat, the community was named by The Progressive Farmer as the top rural place to live as is known for its popular annual Scottish Highland Games. The violent crime rate here is 169.9, and residents of Glasgow have a 2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#9 Berea
Located in Madison County, the city of Berea has a current population of 13,500 residents. This fast-growing community lies on the border of the Cumberland Plateau, is home to Berea College, and has become a tourist attraction with its many art festivals and historic properties. The violent crime rate in Berea is 175.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4.3%.
#10 Erlanger
A city in Kenton County, Erlanger is home to 18,300 residents. Considered a suburb of Cincinnati, the community encompasses 8.3 square miles and is the site of a major Toyota manufacturing plant as well as the headquarters of The United States Playing Card Company. The violent crime rate here is 181.5, and residents of Erlanger have a 2.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#11 St. Matthews
Located in Jefferson County, the city of St. Matthews is home to 15,800 residents. Also the county seat, the community is a suburb of Louisville and serves as one of the state’s major shopping destinations, with a large mall and several shopping centers. The violent crime rate in St. Matthews is 181.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.8%.
#12 Shelbyville
A city in Shelby County, Shelbyville is home to 14,000 residents. Also the county seat, the community was established in 1792 and is known as the Saddlebred Capital of the World, with a popular annual horse show that draws visitors from around the world. The violent crime rate here is 205.1, and residents of Shelbyville have a 2.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#13 Henderson
Located in Henderson County, the city of Henderson is home to 28,700 residents. Considered a suburb of Evansville, the community lies on the bank of the Ohio River and is the site of the Ellis Park Race Course as well as several popular annual music festivals. The violent crime rate in Henderson is 210.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.1%.
#14 Florence
A city in Boone County, Florence is home to 29,900 residents. Considered a suburb of Cincinnati, the community encompasses 10.3 square miles, is served by the Boone County School District, and is home to a minor league baseball team and stadium. The violent crime rate here is 225.5, and residents of Florence have a 5.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#15 Bardstown
Located in Nelson County, the city of Bardstown is home to 11,700 residents. Also the county seat, the community is the 2nd oldest city in the state, has many historic properties, and is home to several operating distilleries including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. The violent crime rate in Bardstown is 229.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3%.
