B+
56%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
23%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
62%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHarlan/100k peopleKentucky/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime17n/a (estimate)9371,5632,119
Murder0n/a0.06.15.0
Rape1n/a55.132.437.5
Robbery1n/a55.135.160.6
Assault3n/a165.4139.5256.1
Violent crime5n/a (estimate)276213359
Burglary4n/a220.5193.6229.2
Theft5n/a275.6930.21,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a165.4226.2258.8
Property crime12n/a (estimate)6621,3501,760

Harlan crime map

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The Harlan crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Harlan as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Harlan crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Harlan crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Harlan, KY

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.

Is Harlan 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Harlan

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.

Compare Harlan, KY Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Harlan crime rates are 56% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Harlan are 23% lower than the national average
      • In Harlan you have a 1 in 107 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Harlan is safer than 44% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Harlan has decreased by 14%

      Harlan, KY Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Harlan (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Harlan (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Harlan

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Harlan is 1 in 363
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Harlan is 1 in 152
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Harlan is 1 in 107

        Year Over Year Crime In Harlan (per 100,000 people)

        Harlan police department

        Item Harlan Kentucky National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)145,359558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents8.12.83.3
        There are a total of 14 Harlan police officers. This results in 8.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 189.4% greater than the Kentucky average and 148.2% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Kentucky

        State Total offenders Kentucky /100K National /100K
        Kentucky9,099222266
        There are a total of 9,099 sex offenders in Kentucky. This yields a total of 222 sex offenders in Kentucky per 100,000 residents which is 17% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Loyall, KY6061700170
        Jonesville, VA1,4030237237
        Evarts, KY71601,7181,718
        Kenvir, KY4762961,8742,169
        Coldiron, KY4243111,9712,282
        Cawood, KY5023232,0462,369
        Ages, KY3773342,1182,452
        Harlan, KY1,439276662937

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Standish, MI1,439196624821
        Dixfield, ME1,43947540587
        Panama, OK1,4391959141,109
        Sparkill, NY1,43953241295
        Elroy, WI1,439121504625
        Harlan, KY1,439276662937
        Source: The Harlan, KY crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.