| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Harlan/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 937 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 55.1 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 55.1 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 165.4 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 276 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 220.5 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5 | n/a | 275.6 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 165.4 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 662 | 1,350 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Harlan is 55.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Harlan, there were 5 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 276 per 100,000 individuals, 23.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 12 property crimes, amounting to 662 per 100,000 residents, 62.4% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Harlan registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Harlan has a property crime rate of 662 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Harlan is a safe place to live.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Harlan, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Harlan presents a total crime rate that is 56% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Harlan experiences an average of 0.05 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.03 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Harlan crime rates. For instance, in Harlan, the population density stands at 1106.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Harlan, the median home price stands at $157,687, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
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 Harlan, the average monthly rent stands at $645, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Harlan | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 8.1 | 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 |
| Loyall, KY | 606 | 170 | 0 | 170 |
| Jonesville, VA | 1,403 | 0 | 237 | 237 |
| Evarts, KY | 716 | 0 | 1,718 | 1,718 |
| Kenvir, KY | 476 | 296 | 1,874 | 2,169 |
| Coldiron, KY | 424 | 311 | 1,971 | 2,282 |
| Cawood, KY | 502 | 323 | 2,046 | 2,369 |
| Ages, KY | 377 | 334 | 2,118 | 2,452 |
| Harlan, KY | 1,439 | 276 | 662 | 937 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Standish, MI | 1,439 | 196 | 624 | 821 |
| Dixfield, ME | 1,439 | 47 | 540 | 587 |
| Panama, OK | 1,439 | 195 | 914 | 1,109 |
| Sparkill, NY | 1,439 | 53 | 241 | 295 |
| Elroy, WI | 1,439 | 121 | 504 | 625 |
| Harlan, KY | 1,439 | 276 | 662 | 937 |