Whitley County Crime & Safety

Whitley County, Kentucky

Safety Score

84/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

368.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

51.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

316.5

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

84/100

Higher = safer

State avg 68/100

State Safety Rank

#38

of 120 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Whitley County, Kentucky

Whitley County is a national safety standout

Whitley County boasts a safety score of 99.4, placing it among the safest regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 368.3 per 100,000 is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

High ranking within the Commonwealth

The county’s crime rate of 368.3 is less than half the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. It outperforms most of the state, supported by five different reporting agencies.

Safest among its regional peers

Whitley County reports significantly less crime than nearby Wayne County, which sits at 717.0 per 100,000. It maintains a secure reputation that attracts families and retirees to the area.

Violent crime is statistically rare

Whitley County sees only 51.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly seven times lower than the national average. Property crime is also very low at 316.5 per 100,000.

Preserving Whitley's safe reputation

To keep property crime at these low levels, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and using light timers. Simple deterrence is often enough to maintain the county's high safety standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Whitley County, KY?

Whitley County has a total crime rate of 368.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (51.8 per 100K) and property crimes (316.5 per 100K).

Is Whitley County, KY safe?

Whitley County has a safety score of 84/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #38 out of 120 counties in Kentucky for safety (1 = safest).

How does Whitley County crime compare to the Kentucky average?

The county’s crime rate of 368.3 is less than half the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. It outperforms most of the state, supported by five different reporting agencies.

What types of crime are most common in Whitley County?

Whitley County sees only 51.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly seven times lower than the national average. Property crime is also very low at 316.5 per 100,000.

How is crime data measured and reported for Whitley County?

Crime data for Whitley 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 Whitley County safer than the Kentucky average?

Whitley County has a safety score of 84/100, 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.