Jefferson County Crime & Safety

Jefferson County, Kentucky

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3621.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

633.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2987.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

State avg 68/100

State Safety Rank

#120

of 120 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Jefferson County, Kentucky

Urban Challenges in Jefferson County

As Kentucky's most populous county, Jefferson faces unique challenges with a total crime rate of 3,621.5 per 100K. This figure exceeds the national average, resulting in a safety score of 94.3.

Elevated Crime Relative to State

Jefferson's crime rate is more than four times higher than the Kentucky average of 786.2. This places the county significantly below the state’s average safety score of 98.8.

Complex Safety Landscape for Jefferson

Jefferson reports much higher crime rates than all surrounding rural counties like Henry. A large network of 26 reporting agencies manages public safety across this urban landscape.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is a serious concern at 633.7 per 100K, nearly double the national average. Property crime is also high, with 2,987.8 incidents per 100K residents.

Invest in Robust Home Security

Residents should prioritize high-quality home security systems and stay informed about local crime trends. Awareness and proactive property protection are essential in Jefferson’s active urban environment.

SimpliSafe Home Security

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

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Jefferson County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Jefferson County, KY?

Jefferson County has a total crime rate of 3621.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (633.7 per 100K) and property crimes (2987.8 per 100K).

Is Jefferson County, KY safe?

Jefferson County has a safety score of 5/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #120 out of 120 counties in Kentucky for safety (1 = safest).

How does Jefferson County crime compare to the Kentucky average?

Jefferson's crime rate is more than four times higher than the Kentucky average of 786.2. This places the county significantly below the state’s average safety score of 98.8.

What types of crime are most common in Jefferson County?

Violent crime is a serious concern at 633.7 per 100K, nearly double the national average. Property crime is also high, with 2,987.8 incidents per 100K residents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Jefferson County?

Crime data for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?

Jefferson County has a safety score of 5/100, 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.