| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bowling Green/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,444 | n/a (estimate) | 3,153 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.3 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 69 | n/a | 89.0 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 36 | n/a | 46.4 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 68 | n/a | 87.7 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 174 | n/a (estimate) | 225 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 264 | n/a | 340.6 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,800 | n/a | 2,322.5 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 206 | n/a | 265.8 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,270 | n/a (estimate) | 2,929 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
The Bowling Green crime rates are 48.8% 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 174 violent crimes in Bowling Green (225 per 100,000 people), which is 37.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 2270 property crimes (2929 per 100,000 residents) which is 66.4% higher than average.
AreaVibes surveyed 62 local residents in Bowling Green to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 35% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bowling Green and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 65% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bowling Green, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bowling Green presents a total crime rate that is 49% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bowling Green experiences an average of 6.7 daily crimes, comprising 0.48 violent incidents and 6.22 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bowling Green. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bowling Green has decreased by 16.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 26.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 16.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Bowling Green has a poverty rate of 25.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The median home price in Bowling Green is $305,100, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bowling Green, the average monthly rent stands at $1,224, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Bowling Green | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 151 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Woodburn, KY | 384 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Plano, KY | 1,270 | 40 | 256 | 297 |
| Auburn, KY | 1,514 | 61 | 242 | 303 |
| Oakland, KY | 264 | 228 | 1,447 | 1,675 |
| Woodbury, KY | 54 | 238 | 1,506 | 1,743 |
| Plum Springs, KY | 463 | 241 | 1,529 | 1,770 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 74,252 | 225 | 2,929 | 3,153 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Maple Grove, MN | 74,291 | 113 | 1,763 | 1,877 |
| Pawtucket, RI | 74,311 | 308 | 1,512 | 1,819 |
| Turlock, CA | 74,182 | 476 | 1,877 | 2,352 |
| Decatur, IL | 74,163 | 602 | 2,867 | 3,470 |
| Redlands, CA | 74,429 | 299 | 2,151 | 2,450 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 74,252 | 225 | 2,929 | 3,153 |
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