Kentucky, also known as the “Bluegrass State,” although it offers beautiful scenery and tourist attractions, has its own share of dangerous places. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky that you should avoid for your own safety!
Kentucky welcome sign (Photo: onlyinyourstate)
Bowling Green And Oak Grove Occupy The Top Spots Of The Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky
First on the list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky is Bowling Green. Bowling Green, a southern Kentucky town, has one of the highest violent and property crime rates in the state. According to the Southwest Journal, there were 247 violent crimes reported in 2020 alone in Bowling Green.
With its 343 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and 4,446 property crimes per 100,000 residents, it is no surprise that Bowling Green is on the top spot of the list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky.
Coming second on this list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky is Oak Grove. You might think that with Oak Grove’s population of 7,299, it will be a safe place to live, but no, it is quite the opposite. The high rate of property crimes in Oak Grove is so alarming that 169 larcenies, 28 auto thefts, and 38 burglaries were reported in 2020 alone. This year, Oak Grove has the highest rate of violent crimes in Kentucky, with 575 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
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Shively And Mayfield Are Third And Fourth, Respectively, On The List Of The Most Dangerous Cities In Kentucky
Third on the list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky is Shively. Shively, a city in Jefferson County, Kentucky, has the highest rate of murder in the state.
According to the Roadsnacks, there were 25 assaults, 1 rape, and 37 robberies reported in Shively in 2021 alone. Shively’s violent crimes per 100,000 residents are 457.
Last on the list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky is Mayfield. Mayfield is 17th highest in the state for murder and 6th in terms of rape. Aside from the high crime rate in Mayfield, the city also suffers from poverty. With the city’s 3,306 property crimes per 100,000, including Mayfield in the list of the most dangerous cities in Kentucky only seems appropriate.
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