| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Prestonsburg/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 491 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 27.3 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 163.8 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 191 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 109.2 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5 | n/a | 136.5 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 54.6 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 300 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
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 Prestonsburg crime rate is lower than the national average by 76.8%. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes in Prestonsburg, equivalent to 191 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 46.8%. Furthermore, Prestonsburg recorded 11 property crimes, amounting to 300 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 82.9%.
Prestonsburg has a crime rate of 491, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Prestonsburg being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
In the latest reported crime year, Prestonsburg recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Prestonsburg maintains a property crime rate of 300 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Prestonsburg as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Prestonsburg a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Prestonsburg crime rate is 77% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.05 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.03 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Prestonsburg has decreased by 58.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Prestonsburg, 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 increased by 40%, while property crime has decreased by 71.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Prestonsburg is a safe place to live.
Prestonsburg has a poverty rate that stands at 48.7, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Prestonsburg crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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. Prestonsburg currently has an unemployment rate of 6.6%, 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.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Prestonsburg crime rates. The population density in Prestonsburg is 261.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
| Item | Prestonsburg | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.9 | 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 |
| Allen, KY | 152 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wayland, KY | 417 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Paintsville, KY | 4,145 | 0 | 146 | 146 |
| Martin, KY | 361 | 0 | 209 | 209 |
| Inez, KY | 995 | 212 | 1,344 | 1,556 |
| Pikeville, KY | 6,794 | 191 | 1,444 | 1,634 |
| Auxier, KY | 944 | 227 | 1,436 | 1,662 |
| Prestonsburg, KY | 3,637 | 191 | 300 | 491 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brimfield, OH | 3,638 | 132 | 696 | 828 |
| Riverwoods, IL | 3,636 | 27 | 618 | 645 |
| Pen Argyl, PA | 3,635 | 125 | 729 | 854 |
| Rayville, LA | 3,635 | 375 | 1,656 | 2,031 |
| Dublin, TX | 3,639 | 116 | 87 | 203 |
| Prestonsburg, KY | 3,637 | 191 | 300 | 491 |
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