| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. Matthews/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 838 | n/a (estimate) | 4,832 | 1,663 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 28.8 | 33.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 57.7 | 38.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 28.8 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 115 | 214 | 370 |
| Burglary | 73 | n/a | 421.0 | 244.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 680 | n/a | 3,921.3 | 989.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 65 | n/a | 374.8 | 214.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 818 | n/a (estimate) | 4,717 | 1,449 | 1,954 |
The St. Matthews crime rates are 107.9% higher 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 20 violent crimes in St. Matthews (115 per 100,000 people), which is 68.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 818 property crimes (4717 per 100,000 residents) which is 141.4% higher than average.
In St. Matthews, the crime rate stands at 4832 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 107.92%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in St. Matthews that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
St. Matthews stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 115 violent crimes per 100,000 people, St. Matthews secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
St. Matthews showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
St. Matthews has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4717 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in St. Matthews is 1 in 22, which is far higher than the national average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of St. Matthews residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 45% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in St. Matthews were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 55% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if St. Matthews 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. St. Matthews has a total crime rate that is 108% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.3 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 2.24 daily property crimes) in St. Matthews.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in St. Matthews has decreased by 1.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of St. Matthews, 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 41.2%, while property crime has decreased by 0.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not St. Matthews is a safe place to live.
St. Matthews has a population density of 4114.3 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 St. Matthews crime rates.
St. Matthews has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.21 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. St. Matthews has a median home price of $256,100, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | St. Matthews | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Windy Hills, KY | 2,290 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Strathmoor Village, KY | 563 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Woodlawn Park, KY | 766 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Northfield, KY | 1,266 | 0 | 202 | 202 |
| Beechwood Village, KY | 1,510 | 30 | 203 | 233 |
| Elk Creek, KY | 1,848 | 30 | 203 | 233 |
| Barbourmeade, KY | 1,256 | 30 | 203 | 233 |
| St. Matthews, KY | 18,022 | 115 | 4,717 | 4,832 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sudley, VA | 18,019 | 280 | 2,031 | 2,311 |
| Bethpage, NY | 18,012 | 281 | 1,129 | 1,411 |
| McAlester, OK | 18,042 | 274 | 2,624 | 2,898 |
| Oxon Hill, MD | 18,049 | 474 | 1,947 | 2,421 |
| Melville, NY | 17,992 | 175 | 703 | 878 |
| St. Matthews, KY | 18,022 | 115 | 4,717 | 4,832 |
Here are the best places to live in Kentucky
10 Best cities in Kentucky for employment
Top 10 cities in Kentucky with the best education system
10 best cities to buy a new house in Kentucky