Lexington-Fayette, KY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Lexington-Fayette is 28.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 868 violent crimes reported in Lexington-Fayette, equivalent to 270 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 26.9%. Additionally, Lexington-Fayette recorded 8717 property crimes, amounting to 2716 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 39%.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Lexington-Fayette has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 33 murders in Lexington-Fayette, which is 10 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lexington-Fayette?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Lexington-Fayette. Based on the results of the surveys (77 responses), 45% of people felt that there was very little crime in Lexington-Fayette and felt safe walking alone at night. While 55% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Lexington-Fayette a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Lexington-Fayette is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lexington-Fayette has an overall crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 26.26 daily occurrences, comprising 2.38 violent crimes and 23.88 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lexington-Fayette as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Lexington-Fayette Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lexington-Fayette. 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 Lexington-Fayette has decreased by 3.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 8.3%, while property crime has decreased by 2.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lexington-Fayette.

Lexington-Fayette Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Lexington-Fayette area comprises a diverse array of over 36 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, Garden Springs and University Of Kentucky which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Duncan Park, Central Downtown and Castlewood Park exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Lexington-Fayette neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lexington-Fayette

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Lexington-Fayette, 85.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Lexington-Fayette, the cost of living is 2.11% lower than the national average.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Lexington-Fayette, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Lexington-Fayette crime map