Bell County Crime & Safety

Bell County, Kentucky

Safety Score

21/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2037.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

185.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1851.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

21/100

Higher = safer

State avg 68/100

State Safety Rank

#113

of 120 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Bell County, Kentucky

Bell County Crime vs National Norms

Bell County reports a total crime rate of 2,037.3 per 100,000 people, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is 96.8, indicating it is safer than 68% of U.S. counties.

Regional Challenges in Bell County

The crime rate of 2,037.3 is significantly higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. This results in a safety score of 96.8, which is lower than the statewide average of 98.8.

Active Law Enforcement Reporting

Six different agencies report data in Bell County, creating a very detailed picture of public safety. This level of reporting highlights more activity than is seen in several surrounding rural counties.

Breakdown of Property and Violence

Property crime is high at 1,851.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 185.6 is more than double the Kentucky state average of 78.1.

Prioritizing Home Security

Given the higher property crime rates, Bell County residents should invest in high-quality locks and security systems. External lighting and visible security cameras are proven ways to reduce local risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Bell County, KY?

Bell County has a total crime rate of 2037.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (185.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1851.7 per 100K).

Is Bell County, KY safe?

Bell County has a safety score of 21/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #113 out of 120 counties in Kentucky for safety (1 = safest).

How does Bell County crime compare to the Kentucky average?

The crime rate of 2,037.3 is significantly higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. This results in a safety score of 96.8, which is lower than the statewide average of 98.8.

What types of crime are most common in Bell County?

Property crime is high at 1,851.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 185.6 is more than double the Kentucky state average of 78.1.

How is crime data measured and reported for Bell County?

Crime data for Bell County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Bell County?

Bell County has a safety score of 21/100, which is below the Kentucky average of 68/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.