| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Louisville/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 27,301 | n/a (estimate) | 4,034 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 147 | n/a | 21.7 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 208 | n/a | 30.7 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 868 | n/a | 128.2 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3,565 | n/a | 526.7 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4,788 | n/a (estimate) | 707 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3,084 | n/a | 455.6 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 14,123 | n/a | 2,086.6 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5,306 | n/a | 783.9 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 22,513 | n/a (estimate) | 3,326 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Louisville crime rate is 90.3% 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 Louisville, there were 4788 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 707 per 100,000 individuals, 97% higher than the national average. Additionally, Louisville recorded 22513 property crimes, amounting to 3326 per 100,000 residents, 89% higher than the U.S. average.
Louisville has a crime rate of 4034 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 90.34%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Louisville. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Louisville is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 707 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Louisville is 1 in 142.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Louisville stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Louisville, there were a total of 147 murders, translating to 22 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Louisville is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Louisville reported a total of 5306 vehicle thefts, resulting in 784 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 128, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Louisville. Based on the results of the surveys (190 responses), 27% of people felt that there was very little crime in Louisville and felt safe walking alone at night. While 73% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Louisville is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Louisville has a total crime rate that is 90% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 74.8 daily crimes (13.12 violent daily crimes and 61.68 daily property crimes) in Louisville.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Louisville has decreased by 6.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Louisville, 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 decreased by 28.1%, while property crime has decreased by 0.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Louisville is a safe place to live.
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. Louisville, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 64 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Louisville are areas such as Cherokee Gardens, Belknap and Bonnycastle, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Park Hill, Algonquin and Shawnee are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Louisville currently has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Louisville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.14 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
The median home price in Louisville is $305,012, 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.
| Item | Louisville | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,423 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Meadow Vale, KY | 813 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pewee Valley, KY | 1,598 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Strathmoor Village, KY | 583 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Woodlawn Park, KY | 788 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Northfield, KY | 1,296 | 0 | 203 | 203 |
| St. Regis Park, KY | 1,612 | 30 | 189 | 219 |
| Rolling Hills, KY | 1,047 | 30 | 189 | 219 |
| Louisville, KY | 639,172 | 707 | 3,326 | 4,034 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Baltimore, MD | 621,744 | 1,606 | 4,157 | 5,763 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 662,341 | 430 | 2,623 | 3,053 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 671,652 | 676 | 2,893 | 3,569 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 605,531 | 1,431 | 2,701 | 4,132 |
| Memphis, TN | 674,455 | 2,501 | 6,899 | 9,400 |
| Louisville, KY | 639,172 | 707 | 3,326 | 4,034 |
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