| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 566 | n/a (estimate) | 2,657 | 1,663 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 9.4 | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 56.3 | 33.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 28.2 | 38.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 93.9 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 188 | 214 | 370 |
| Burglary | 76 | n/a | 356.8 | 244.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 394 | n/a | 1,849.8 | 989.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 56 | n/a | 262.9 | 214.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 526 | n/a (estimate) | 2,469 | 1,449 | 1,954 |
The Ashland crime rates are 14.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 40 violent crimes in Ashland (188 per 100,000 people), which is 49.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 526 property crimes (2469 per 100,000 residents) which is 26.4% higher than average.
When evaluating the Ashland crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Ashland crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Ashland. Based on the results of the surveys (18 responses), 22% of people felt that there was very little crime in Ashland and felt safe walking alone at night. While 78% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ashland a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ashland crime rate is 14% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.55 crimes per day - 0.11 violent crimes and 1.44 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ashland has decreased by 7.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Ashland, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 5.3%, while property crime has decreased by 8.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Ashland is a safe place to live.
In Ashland, the poverty rate currently stands at 21.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Ashland crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Ashland, the cost of living is 12.52% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Ashland, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.44 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Ashland | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kentucky /100K | National /100K |
| Kentucky | 9,099 | 222 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Worthington, KY | 1,639 | 0 | 68 | 68 |
| Bellefonte, KY | 958 | 0 | 111 | 111 |
| Greenup, KY | 1,233 | 96 | 192 | 288 |
| Lavalette, WV | 1,256 | 66 | 294 | 360 |
| Raceland, KY | 2,215 | 43 | 431 | 474 |
| Flatwoods, KY | 7,143 | 69 | 429 | 498 |
| Ironton, OH | 10,749 | 145 | 592 | 737 |
| Ashland, KY | 20,449 | 188 | 2,469 | 2,657 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Suwanee, GA | 20,444 | 183 | 1,611 | 1,794 |
| Lockport, NY | 20,420 | 665 | 2,668 | 3,333 |
| Grayslake, IL | 20,482 | 184 | 983 | 1,166 |
| Northfield, MN | 20,399 | 125 | 742 | 868 |
| Woodbridge, NJ | 20,500 | 228 | 1,588 | 1,816 |
| Ashland, KY | 20,449 | 188 | 2,469 | 2,657 |
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