Kentucky Drug Crime Statistics 2024

Crime, including drug crimes, can happen anywhere. In the United States, there have been notable trends in Kentucky drug crime statistics and overall crime stats. As a resident, if you have concerns about the prevalence of drug crimes in your area, you can benefit by keeping up with Kentucky drug crime statistics to see what types of drugs are being sold and where. Overall, Kentucky has a low crime rate, which we’ll explore below.

Kentucky Drug Crime Stats

In 2023, Kentucky saw a decrease in drug overdose deaths, totaling 1,984 fatalities at a rate of 45.9 per 100,000 residents. This rate was down 9.8% from 2022. Jefferson County saw 496 deaths. The 35-44 age group was most affected, with 571 cases — a 13.4% drop.

Fentanyl, meth, and acetyl fentanyl remained prevalent, with acetyl fentanyl cases rising by 58.5%, though most other drugs saw declines. Cocaine deaths rose 14.8%, while heroin and oxycodone-related deaths continued to drop, showcasing shifting patterns in substance abuse across the state.

From 2021 to 2023, drug overdose deaths in Kentucky saw an increase among Black residents while deaths among White residents declined steadily, with minimal fluctuations in other racial groups.

General Crime Rates

Violent crimes — like murder, aggravated assault, rape, and robbery — are far less common than property crimes in Kentucky. Our state has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 people, which is 44% below the national average of 381 per 100,000. Ranked 44th nationwide and holding the lowest rate in the South, Kentucky keeps its streets safer than most. Aggravated assault is the most common violent crime committed in the state, occurring at a rate of 135 per 100,000.

The following breakdown by metro area shows crime rates per 100,000 residents in Kentucky’s largest cities.

Bowling Green:

• Violent crime: 156
• Murder/non-negligent homicide: 3
• Rape: 44
• Robbery: 34
• Aggravated assault: 74
• Property crime: 1,962
• Burglary: 274

Elizabethtown-Fort Knox:

• Violent crime: 89
• Murder/non-negligent homicide: 3
• Rape: 22
• Robbery: 17
• Aggravated assault: 48
• Property crime: 749
• Burglary: 163

Lexington-Fayette:

• Violent crime: 212
• Murder/non-negligent homicide: 7
• Rape: 45
• Robbery: 48
• Aggravated assault: 112
• Property crime: 2,306
• Burglary: 313

Kentucky ranks among the safest states, with crime rates well below the national average. According to recent survey data, violent and property crime rates have fallen over the past year, reflected by a 26% drop in residents’ high concerns about crime.

Edgewood, Southgate, and Park Hills are among the top ten safest cities, showing a positive trend in community security. However, despite the lower crime rates, only 39% of Kentuckians reported feeling safe, down from 48%.

Tips for Staying Safe in Kentucky

Being aware of which areas and cities are potentially dangerous is key when it comes to staying safe in Kentucky. Large cities often have higher crime rates, but not every part of any given city is equally dangerous. Some areas may be more prone to crime than others, and speaking to locals and keeping up with crime rate statistics can help you better understand where those areas are.

In general, avoid going out alone whenever possible. Many crimes are more likely to occur at night, especially in sparsely populated areas. Be sure to keep your valuables out of sight. Additionally, if you are walking in an area with higher crime rates, try to stay off your phone and remain vigilant. It is important always to be aware of your surroundings. Criminals often prey on individuals who are alone and distracted.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Stay Safe When Visiting Kentucky?

A: One effective way you can stay safe when visiting Kentucky is by avoiding dangerous areas, especially at night. When you do go out, go out in a group and avoid being found alone outside. Keep your valuables out of sight, and always lock your door. Following these basic steps can greatly reduce the risk that you will become a victim of a crime.

Q: Where Does Kentucky Rank in Crime?

A: Kentucky ranks low in national crime rates. On average, Kentucky sees around 40% fewer violent crimes per year. Many crimes are trending downward, while there have been small upticks in specific violent and non-violent rates. Overall, Kentucky is considered to be a safe state to live and work in.

Q: What Is the Fatal Drug Use Rate in Kentucky?

A: In 2023, Kentucky reported a fatal drug overdose rate of 45.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, totaling 1,984 fatalities, a 9.8% decrease from the previous year. Jefferson County accounted for 496 deaths, with the 35-44 age group being most affected, showing a 13.4% decline. Fentanyl and meth remained common, while acetyl fentanyl cases surged by 58.5%.

Q: Which Counties Saw the Highest Rates of Fentanyl-related Deaths Last Year?

A: The high drug-use counties in Kentucky are also some of the largest counties by population. Jefferson County had 494 fentanyl-related deaths last year, making it the deadliest county in the state when it comes to fentanyl overdose deaths. Fayette County recorded 160 deaths last year tied to fentanyl. Kenton had the third-highest rate of fentanyl-related deaths last year, with 56 deaths reported.

Q: What Is Kentucky’s Violent Crime Rate?

A: Kentucky’s violent crime rate stands at 214 per 100,000 people, which is 44% lower than the national average of 381 per 100,000. Violent crimes here, including murder, aggravated assault, rape, and robbery, remain significantly less common than property crimes, making Kentucky one of the safer states compared to national crime trends.

Schedule Your Legal Defense Consultation Today

If you or a loved one was arrested for a drug crime, it is imperative that you have a strong legal defense. Our law firm can represent you in court and question the allegations against you by examining the evidence and testimony used by prosecutors. Once we understand the charges against you, we can work to poke holes in the prosecution’s case.

Our goal is to have your charges dropped or reduced. We may also be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain agreement that allows you to put the ordeal behind you. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.