Welcome to Kentucky! In addition to the famous Kentucky Derby, the state is also well known for its bourbon, college basketball, and bluegrass music – hence the name The Bluegrass State! Kentucky also has a rich, diverse natural landscape, ranging from lush woods and rivers to rolling hills and ledges. Ready to find your new Kentucky home? Whether you’re looking to retire in the Bluegrass State, or looking for your first Kentucky home, we’ve compiled a list of the safest cities in the state to help you make an informed decision. And when you find that dream home, don’t forget to brush up on Kentucky closing costs – the state boasts some of the best in the country.
1. Villa Hills
- Population: 7,455
- Violent Crimes: 2 (0.0268 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 41 (0.550 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
77.54% Below National Crime Rate, 73.47% Below State Crime Rate
The safest city in Kentucky is none other than Villa Hills, a home rule-class city in Kenton County. Located along the Ohio River, Villa Hills was settled in the 1800s, but was not incorporated into the state of Kentucky until 1962. With its small size, this affluent community offers a reprieve from the bustling cities around it, allowing its residents to enjoy a slower-paced life without sacrificing any big-city benefits, making it a great city for retirees.
2. Fort Thomas
- Population: 16,274
- Violent Crimes: 6 (0.0369 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 68 (0.4178 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
82.30% Below National Crime Rate, 79.09% Below State Crime Rate
Next on our list is Fort Thomas, a home rule-class city in Campbell County. Named after Civil War General George Henry Thomas, Fort Thomas was incorporated in Kentucky in 1867. This suburban city has plenty of parks, a highly rated school system, and the second lowest non-violent crime rate in the state. Houses in Fort Thomas average in the low $200,000s.
3. Fort Mitchell
- Population: 8,260
- Violent Crimes: 4 (0.0484 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 62 (0.7506 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
68.89% Below National Crime Rate, 63.25% Below State Crime Rate
Fort Mitchell is a home rule-class city in Kenton County, located just southeast of Villa Hills. Like Fort Thomas, Fort Mitchell’s history is rooted in the Civil War; the city was built as fortification for the defense of Cincinnati. Modern day Fort Mitchell enjoys all the suburban delights of its neighboring towns, and is home to some of the best public schools in the state. In addition, Fort Mitchell is home to the world’s only ventriloquist museum, which contains over 900 ventriloquist figures.
4. Highland Heights
- Population: 7,112
- Violent Crimes: 2 (0.0281 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 66 (0.928 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
62.77% Below National Crime Rate, 56.03% Below State Crime Rate
Located in Northern Kentucky, Highland Heights is a small home rule-class city with a population of just over 7,000 residents. The city originated as a farming community, and has grown into a quiet, thriving suburb. Highland Heights is home to Northern Kentucky University, which has notable alumni such as George Clooney. Ranking 16th on the Kentucky’s safest list last year, Highland Heights has jumped an impressive 12 spots in its rankings, with its violent crime notably decreasing.
5. Taylor Mill
- Population: 6,781
- Violent Crimes: 4 (0.059 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 51 (0.7521 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Car Theft
68.42% Below National Crime Rate, 67.20% Below State Crime Rate
Taylor Mill is a Kenton County city named after an 1800s local mill owned by James Taylor Jr. Like other small communities nearby, Taylor Mill began as a farming community, and gradually developed into a suburban paradise. Established as a city in 1957, this “Taylored With Pride” town is one of the safest around.
6. Edgewood
- Population: 8,736
- Violent Crimes: 6 (0.0687 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 61 (0.6983 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
70.14% Below National Crime Rate, 64.73% Below State Crime Rate
Just west of Taylor Mill is the next city on our list, Edgewood. This small community features three parks that include sports fields, courts, and a memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. One notable landmark in the town is the Beechwood Home – an 1839 house built by Colonel Thomas Catlett Buckner, which still stands today.
7. Flatwoods
- Population: 7,136
- Violent Crimes: 6 (0.0841 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 24 (0.3363 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
83.63% Below National Crime Rate, 80.67% Below State Crime Rate
Flatwoods is the largest city in Greenup County, with a population of over 7,000 residents. Named after the flat, wooded land that it stands on, Flatwoods became incorporated in Kentucky in 1938. Despite being 7th on the list of overall safety, Flatwoods has the lowest nonviolent crime rating in the state with a 0.3 per capita rate.
8. Independence
- Population: 28,052
- Violent Crimes: 23 (0.082 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 154 (0.549 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
75.43% Below National Crime Rate, 70.98% Below State Crime Rate
With a name like Independence, one can only expect greatness. Named after its independence from Kenton County in 1840, Independence is the largest city in our list, with a population of over 28,000 residents. Independence residents enjoy activities such as visiting Boone County Distilling, which specializes in bourbon. Ready to move to the city of the free? Houses average in the high $100,000s to low $200,000s.
9. Harrodsburg
- Population: 8,399
- Violent Crimes: 3 (0.0357 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 96 (1.143 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
54.11% Below National Crime Rate, 45.79% Below State Crime Rate
Harrodsburg is the county seat of Mercer County. Referred to as the “Birthplace of the West”, this city dates back to 1774 and is named after its founder, James Harrod. Harrodsburg has plenty to be proud of in terms of its safety ratings. Not only does it have the seventh lowest violent crime rating in the state, but the city has jumped an impressive 19 slots over the past year, going from #28 to #9 on the list!
10. Central City
- Population: 5,746
- Violent Crimes: 3 (0.0522 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 56 (0.9746 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
60.02% Below National Crime Rate, 52.78% Below State Crime Rate
Last but not least is Central City, the largest city in Muhlenberg County. Originally incorporated as Stroud City in 1873, Central City was renamed and reincorporated under its current name in 1882, due to the economic importance of the Central Coal and Iron Company. In modern day Central City, one highlight is the Lu-Ray Park and Amphitheater, where folks can gather around and enjoy live music and performance arts.
All data taken from the FBI crime statistics.
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Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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Which is the safest COLLEGES or UNIVERSITIES in Kentucky?