| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mount Sterling/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 107 | n/a (estimate) | 1,413 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 52.8 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 13.2 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 145.2 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 211 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 145.2 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 77 | n/a | 1,016.5 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 39.6 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 91 | n/a (estimate) | 1,201 | 1,350 | 1,760 |

The Mount Sterling crime rates are 33.4% lower 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 16 violent crimes in Mount Sterling (211 per 100,000 people), which is 41.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 91 property crimes (1201 per 100,000 residents) which is 31.8% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Mount Sterling 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Mount Sterling residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Mount Sterling were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Mount Sterling is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Mount Sterling has an overall crime rate that is 33% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.29 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.25 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Mount Sterling as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Mount Sterling has decreased by 29.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mount Sterling is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 166.7%, while property crime has decreased by 37.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mount Sterling.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Mount Sterling crime rates. In Mount Sterling, the poverty rate stands at 24.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Mount Sterling has a population density of 1678.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Mount Sterling crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Mount Sterling, the cost of living is 8.94% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Mount Sterling | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 22 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Clay City, KY | 1,008 | 85 | 0 | 85 |
| Owingsville, KY | 2,187 | 125 | 375 | 501 |
| Stanton, KY | 2,807 | 32 | 569 | 600 |
| Jeffersonville, KY | 1,997 | 92 | 584 | 676 |
| Camargo, KY | 1,113 | 98 | 623 | 721 |
| North Middletown, KY | 749 | 261 | 1,651 | 1,912 |
| Sharpsburg, KY | 485 | 287 | 1,820 | 2,108 |
| Mount Sterling, KY | 7,404 | 211 | 1,201 | 1,413 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huntertown, IN | 7,404 | 169 | 744 | 913 |
| Batesville, MS | 7,404 | 344 | 4,758 | 5,102 |
| Portage Lakes, OH | 7,404 | 206 | 1,086 | 1,292 |
| Indiantown, FL | 7,406 | 321 | 1,705 | 2,025 |
| Flatwoods, KY | 7,406 | 56 | 208 | 264 |
| Mount Sterling, KY | 7,404 | 211 | 1,201 | 1,413 |