| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 568 | n/a (estimate) | 2,703 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 71.4 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 19.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 109.5 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 42 | n/a (estimate) | 200 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 60 | n/a | 285.6 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 421 | n/a | 2,003.7 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 45 | n/a | 214.2 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 526 | n/a (estimate) | 2,503 | 1,350 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ashland crime rate is 27.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Ashland, there were 42 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 200 per 100,000 individuals, 44.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Ashland recorded 526 property crimes, amounting to 2503 per 100,000 residents, 42.2% higher than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Ashland recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
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.
Is Ashland a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ashland has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 28%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.56 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 1.44 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ashland as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ashland has decreased by 7.5%. 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 10.5%, 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.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Ashland crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Ashland has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Ashland, 83.6% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Ashland, there are 2.44 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

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| 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 |
| Bellefonte, KY | 981 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Flatwoods, KY | 7,406 | 56 | 208 | 264 |
| Worthington, KY | 1,678 | 0 | 277 | 277 |
| Raceland, KY | 2,295 | 175 | 218 | 393 |
| Ironville, KY | 1,070 | 68 | 430 | 498 |
| Lavalette, WV | 1,295 | 105 | 488 | 592 |
| Kenova, WV | 3,095 | 0 | 595 | 595 |
| Ashland, KY | 21,089 | 200 | 2,503 | 2,703 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Secaucus, NJ | 21,080 | 152 | 3,636 | 3,788 |
| Agoura Hills, CA | 21,069 | 125 | 894 | 1,019 |
| American Canyon, CA | 21,061 | 325 | 1,241 | 1,566 |
| Katy, TX | 21,057 | 227 | 3,254 | 3,480 |
| Ashland, OH | 21,043 | 172 | 1,418 | 1,590 |
| Ashland, KY | 21,089 | 200 | 2,503 | 2,703 |