| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Owensboro/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,963 | n/a (estimate) | 3,266 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.7 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 47 | n/a | 78.2 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 27 | n/a | 44.9 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 135 | n/a | 224.6 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 210 | n/a (estimate) | 349 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 203 | n/a | 337.8 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,357 | n/a | 2,258.1 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 193 | n/a | 321.2 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,753 | n/a (estimate) | 2,917 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Owensboro is 54.1% 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 Owensboro, there were 210 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 349 per 100,000 individuals, 2.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1753 property crimes, amounting to 2917 per 100,000 residents, 65.7% higher than the U.S. average.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Owensboro maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 349 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Owensboro shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Owensboro. Based on the results of the surveys (52 responses), 31% of people felt that there was very little crime in Owensboro and felt safe walking alone at night. While 69% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Owensboro 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, Owensboro has an overall crime rate that is 54% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 5.38 daily occurrences, comprising 0.58 violent crimes and 4.8 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Owensboro as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Owensboro crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Owensboro has decreased by 18.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 42.9% and property crime has decreased by 22.4%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Owensboro crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Owensboro has an unemployment rate of 2.8%, compared to a 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 Owensboro, there are 2.34 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 Owensboro, the average rental rates are $1,248 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Owensboro | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 135 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Lewisport, KY | 1,894 | 0 | 233 | 233 |
| Masonville, KY | 1,870 | 63 | 398 | 461 |
| Grandview, IN | 1,108 | 140 | 615 | 755 |
| Rockport, IN | 2,372 | 150 | 661 | 811 |
| Whitesville, KY | 654 | 216 | 1,368 | 1,583 |
| Richland, IN | 517 | 296 | 1,304 | 1,600 |
| Calhoun, KY | 748 | 256 | 1,624 | 1,880 |
| Owensboro, KY | 62,157 | 349 | 2,917 | 3,266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Coconut Creek, FL | 62,174 | 217 | 1,155 | 1,373 |
| Novi, MI | 62,295 | 99 | 655 | 755 |
| Marietta, GA | 62,336 | 298 | 1,810 | 2,109 |
| La Mesa, CA | 62,341 | 416 | 1,379 | 1,794 |
| Wesley Chapel, FL | 61,965 | 190 | 1,011 | 1,202 |
| Owensboro, KY | 62,157 | 349 | 2,917 | 3,266 |
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