Nelson County Crime & Safety

Nelson County, Kentucky

Safety Score

64/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

842.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

62.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

780.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

64/100

Higher = safer

State avg 68/100

State Safety Rank

#81

of 120 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Nelson County, Kentucky

Nelson County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Nelson County boasts a safety score of 98.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 842.3 per 100,000 people. This rate is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000. Five reporting agencies work together to keep the community significantly safer than the average American county.

Steady Safety Performance Within Kentucky

The county's safety score of 98.7 is nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 98.8. While the local crime rate of 842.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 786.2, Nelson County remains a secure place to live and work. Law enforcement efforts effectively manage the needs of this growing community.

Safety Comparisons Across the Region

Nelson County's total crime rate of 842.3 per 100,000 is higher than nearby Owen County's 445.3 but comparable to neighboring Oldham County's 831.0. These figures suggest that while regional activity varies, Nelson County stays within the typical range for established Kentucky communities. Collaborative policing helps keep local rates stable year-over-year.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Low

Nelson County reports a violent crime rate of only 62.0 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime is more frequent at 780.3 incidents per 100,000, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement calls. These numbers indicate that most residents will rarely encounter serious criminal activity.

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Since property crime is the most common concern, consider upgrading your home’s deadbolts and window locks. Security systems with mobile alerts provide peace of mind and act as a strong deterrent to burglars. Staying vigilant and connected with neighbors further strengthens Nelson County's safety net.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Nelson County, KY?

Nelson County has a total crime rate of 842.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (62.0 per 100K) and property crimes (780.3 per 100K).

Is Nelson County, KY safe?

Nelson County has a safety score of 64/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #81 out of 120 counties in Kentucky for safety (1 = safest).

How does Nelson County crime compare to the Kentucky average?

What types of crime are most common in Nelson County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Nelson County?

Crime data for Nelson 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 Nelson County?

Nelson County has a safety score of 64/100, 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.