Harlan County Crime & Safety

Harlan County, Kentucky

Safety Score

87/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

293.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

26.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

267.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

87/100

Higher = safer

State avg 68/100

State Safety Rank

#23

of 120 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Harlan County, Kentucky

Harlan County ranks high for safety

Harlan County features an impressive safety score of 99.5, showcasing its secure nature. Its total crime rate of 293.3 per 100K is roughly eight times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-tier safety in the Commonwealth

Harlan County's safety score of 99.5 is significantly better than the Kentucky average of 98.8. Its crime rate of 293.3 per 100K is also much lower than the state's average of 786.2.

Regional leader in low crime rates

Harlan County's crime rate of 293.3 per 100K is lower than most surrounding areas, including Greenup County (334.7). Nine reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage to ensure this high level of safety.

Violent crime is remarkably rare

The violent crime rate is extremely low at 26.3 per 100K, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime is also very limited, with a recorded rate of 267.0 per 100K.

Sustaining a safe Harlan community

Residents contribute to Harlan County's safety by practicing simple home security and looking out for neighbors. Maintaining these habits ensures that property crime rates stay among the lowest in the state.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Harlan County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Harlan County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Harlan County, KY?

Harlan County has a total crime rate of 293.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (26.3 per 100K) and property crimes (267.0 per 100K).

Is Harlan County, KY safe?

Harlan County has a safety score of 87/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #23 out of 120 counties in Kentucky for safety (1 = safest).

How does Harlan County crime compare to the Kentucky average?

Harlan County's safety score of 99.5 is significantly better than the Kentucky average of 98.8. Its crime rate of 293.3 per 100K is also much lower than the state's average of 786.2.

What types of crime are most common in Harlan County?

The violent crime rate is extremely low at 26.3 per 100K, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime is also very limited, with a recorded rate of 267.0 per 100K.

How is crime data measured and reported for Harlan County?

Crime data for Harlan 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.

Why is Harlan County safer than the Kentucky average?

Harlan County has a safety score of 87/100, which is above the Kentucky average of 68/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.