Laurel County Crime & Safety

Laurel County, Kentucky

Safety Score

50/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1129.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

62.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1066.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

50/100

Higher = safer

State avg 68/100

State Safety Rank

#96

of 120 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Laurel County, Kentucky

Laurel County Safety and National Metrics

Laurel County is safer than the average U.S. county, with a safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1129.1 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Four agencies work across the county to maintain this level of protection.

Laurel County Compared to Kentucky Averages

The county's safety score of 98.2 is slightly below the Kentucky average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 1129.1 is also higher than the state average of 786.2. While generally safe, residents see more reported crime than people in other parts of Kentucky.

Laurel County and Neighboring Trends

Laurel County’s crime rate of 1129.1 per 100K is comparable to nearby Knox County’s 1052.7. Both counties experience higher crime rates than the state average but remain much safer than the national landscape. These regional numbers highlight a shared safety profile in this part of the state.

Analyzing Property vs Violent Crime

Violent crime in Laurel is quite low at 62.5 per 100K, which is even better than the state average of 78.1. However, property crime is more frequent at 1066.6 per 100K. Most local law enforcement efforts focus on preventing theft and burglary.

Strengthening Your Home's Defenses

Because property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, home security is a wise investment. Installing cameras and ensuring all entry points are well-lit can deter potential intruders. Taking personal responsibility for home safety keeps Laurel County a better place to live.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Laurel County, KY?

Laurel County has a total crime rate of 1129.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (62.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1066.6 per 100K).

Is Laurel County, KY safe?

Laurel County has a safety score of 50/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #96 out of 120 counties in Kentucky for safety (1 = safest).

How does Laurel County crime compare to the Kentucky average?

What types of crime are most common in Laurel County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Laurel County?

Crime data for Laurel 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 Laurel County?

Laurel County has a safety score of 50/100, 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.