Lancaster, KY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lancaster, KY

The Lancaster crime rates are 8.5% lower 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 7 violent crimes in Lancaster (175 per 100,000 people), which is 52.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 78 property crimes (1952 per 100,000 residents) which is 0.1% lower than average.

When evaluating the Lancaster crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Lancaster crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Lancaster stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Lancaster, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 50 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Lancaster is very similar to the national average. Lancaster had a property crime rate of 1952, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

Is Lancaster a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Lancaster, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lancaster presents a total crime rate that is 8% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lancaster experiences an average of 0.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.21 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Lancaster Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster has decreased by 34.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 53.3%, while property crime has decreased by 31.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lancaster.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lancaster

In Lancaster, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Lancaster crime rates.

Lancaster has a population density of 1682.6 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 Lancaster crime rates.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Lancaster, 61% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Lancaster crime map