C-
45%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
25%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
59%
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 peoplePaducah/100k peopleKentucky/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime816n/a (estimate)3,0651,5632,119
Murder1n/a3.86.15.0
Rape19n/a71.432.437.5
Robbery11n/a41.335.160.6
Assault41n/a154.0139.5256.1
Violent crime72n/a (estimate)270213359
Burglary62n/a232.9193.6229.2
Theft599n/a2,249.9930.21,272.1
Vehicle theft83n/a311.7226.2258.8
Property crime744n/a (estimate)2,7941,3501,760

Paducah crime map

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The Paducah crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Paducah 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 Paducah crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Paducah 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 Paducah, KY

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Paducah crime rate is higher than the national average by 44.6%. Specifically, there were 72 violent crimes in Paducah, equivalent to 270 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 24.7%. Furthermore, Paducah recorded 744 property crimes, amounting to 2794 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 58.8%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Paducah?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Paducah residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 43 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 58% of Paducah residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 42% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Paducah a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Paducah 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. Paducah has a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.24 daily crimes (0.2 violent daily crimes and 2.04 daily property crimes) in Paducah.

Has Crime in Paducah Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Paducah. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Paducah has decreased by 4.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 8.9%, while property crime has decreased by 4.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Paducah.

Potential Causes for Crime in Paducah

Paducah reports an unemployment rate of 1.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Paducah crime rates.

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 Paducah, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.45 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.

Paducah has an average rental rate of $1,034 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Compare Paducah, KY Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Paducah crime rates are 45% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Paducah are 25% lower than the national average
      • In Paducah you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Paducah is safer than 24% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Paducah has decreased by 5%

      Paducah, KY Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Paducah (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Paducah for every 100,000 residents. The Paducah total amount of daily crime is 1.96 times more than the Kentucky average and 1.45 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Paducah, is 1.27 times more than the Kentucky average, and it is 1.33 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Paducah has a daily crime average that is 2.07 times more than the Kentucky average and 1.59 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Paducah (higher is better)

        How safe is Paducah, Kentucky compared to other cities in Kentucky and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Paducah is safer than 4% of the cities in Kentucky and 24% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Kentucky and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Paducah. Overall, Paducah is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Paducah

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Paducah is 1 in 370
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Paducah is 1 in 36
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Paducah is 1 in 33
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Paducah? In Paducah, KY you have a 1 in 370 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Paducah.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Paducah, KY is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Paducah has decreased by 19%, while the property crime rate in Paducah has decreased by 3% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Paducah has decreased by 5% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Paducah police department

        Item Paducah Kentucky National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)875,359558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.52.83.3
        There are a total of 87 Paducah police officers. This results in 3.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 23.8% greater than the Kentucky average and 6.2% 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
        Ledbetter, KY1,78385540625
        Burna, KY6886545631
        Hendron, KY4,97892581673
        Reidland, KY4,437114722836
        Massac, KY5,321127805932
        Symsonia, KY5511509521,102
        Farley, KY4,5881841,1631,347
        Paducah, KY25,7032702,7943,065

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Walker, MI25,7112212,4462,667
        Homewood, AL25,7161511,9552,105
        Fountain Hills, AZ25,686182774956
        Clinton, MS25,729681,2061,274
        Decatur, GA25,6771332,2692,401
        Paducah, KY25,7032702,7943,065
        Source: The Paducah, 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.