| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lexington-Fayette/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 8,199 | n/a (estimate) | 2,536 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 16 | n/a | 4.9 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 167 | n/a | 51.7 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 257 | n/a | 79.5 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 407 | n/a | 125.9 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 847 | n/a (estimate) | 262 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 856 | n/a | 264.8 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,587 | n/a | 1,728.4 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 909 | n/a | 281.2 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 7,352 | n/a (estimate) | 2,274 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lexington-Fayette is 19.7% higher 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 Lexington-Fayette, there were 847 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 262 per 100,000 individuals, 27% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 7352 property crimes, amounting to 2274 per 100,000 residents, 29.2% higher than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes surveyed 89 local residents in Lexington-Fayette to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 49% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lexington-Fayette and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 51% 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 Lexington-Fayette, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lexington-Fayette presents a total crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lexington-Fayette experiences an average of 22.46 daily crimes, comprising 2.32 violent incidents and 20.14 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 Lexington-Fayette. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lexington-Fayette has decreased by 17.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 10.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 17.8%. 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.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Lexington-Fayette, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 35 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Lexington-Fayette are areas such as Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, Garden Springs and University Of Kentucky, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Duncan Park, Central Downtown and Castlewood Park are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Lexington-Fayette, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 Lexington-Fayette, there are 2 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.
In Lexington-Fayette, the median home price stands at $364,672, 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.
| Item | Lexington-Fayette | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 604 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Midway, KY | 1,926 | 42 | 264 | 306 |
| Wilmore, KY | 6,581 | 16 | 456 | 473 |
| Versailles, KY | 9,568 | 69 | 757 | 826 |
| Paris, KY | 10,056 | 129 | 805 | 935 |
| Georgetown, KY | 35,429 | 122 | 1,169 | 1,291 |
| Nicholasville, KY | 31,738 | 113 | 1,497 | 1,610 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 329,532 | 262 | 2,274 | 2,536 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Riverside, CA | 334,324 | 590 | 2,832 | 3,422 |
| Henderson, NV | 320,734 | 272 | 1,715 | 1,987 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 338,491 | 864 | 3,011 | 3,875 |
| Stockton, CA | 318,307 | 1,146 | 2,640 | 3,785 |
| St. Louis, MO | 315,543 | 1,367 | 5,707 | 7,074 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 329,532 | 262 | 2,274 | 2,536 |
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