Hopkinsville, KY Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Hopkinsville, KY

What is Hopkinsville's overall crime grade?

Hopkinsville currently holds an overall crime grade of C-, indicating that crime levels are above average compared to similarly sized U.S. cities. With a population of approximately 31,052 residents and a population density of 376 people per square mile, the city faces meaningful public safety challenges. Property crimes — particularly theft and burglary — account for the largest share of reported incidents, while violent crimes occur at a lower but still notable frequency. The C- grade reflects a combination of socioeconomic pressures, including a 23% poverty rate and a 7.7% unemployment rate, both of which research consistently links to elevated crime risk in communities of this size.

How does Hopkinsville's crime rate compare to other Kentucky cities?

Hopkinsville's C- crime grade places it in the lower-middle tier of Kentucky cities when ranked by safety. Cities with comparable populations and economic profiles — including those with poverty rates above 20% and unemployment above 7% — tend to cluster around C and C- grades nationally. Hopkinsville's median household income of $39,743 sits well below the Kentucky state median, which contributes to the elevated crime environment. That said, not all parts of the city share the same risk level; areas closer to Fort Campbell corridors and established residential suburbs tend to report fewer incidents than neighborhoods with higher concentrations of economic distress.

What types of crime are most common in Hopkinsville?

Property crime is the dominant category in Hopkinsville, consistent with its C- overall grade. Theft — including shoplifting, motor vehicle theft, and larceny — represents the most frequently reported offense type. Burglary incidents are also tracked closely by the Hopkinsville Police Department, particularly in denser residential pockets. Violent crime, while less frequent than property crime, includes assault and robbery incidents that are monitored across the city. Drug-related offenses represent a persistent secondary concern, often correlated with the city's 23% poverty rate and limited economic mobility. Understanding this breakdown helps residents prioritize the right precautions — securing vehicles and property ranks as the single most impactful step most households can take.

What are the safest areas in Hopkinsville?

While granular block-level grades are best reviewed directly on the crime map, residential areas in the outer suburban zones of Hopkinsville — including neighborhoods near Pembroke Road and the southeastern residential corridors — generally report lower incident densities. Areas with higher owner-occupancy rates and active neighborhood watch participation tend to perform better on safety metrics. By contrast, neighborhoods with higher rental concentrations — where median rent averages $729/month — and proximity to commercial corridors show higher property crime activity. Checking the interactive crime map and filtering by incident type gives the most current picture of which specific blocks are trending safer or less safe in 2026.

Is Hopkinsville a good place to live given its crime grade?

A C- crime grade means Hopkinsville requires informed decision-making from prospective residents, but it does not make the city unlivable. The city's median home value of $117,675 and median rent of $729/month make it one of the more affordable markets in western Kentucky, which attracts families and individuals on tighter budgets. The proximity to Fort Campbell also provides a stabilizing economic and community influence. However, the 23% poverty rate and 7.7% unemployment rate are meaningful headwinds for long-term neighborhood improvement. Residents who engage with local neighborhood watch programs, use the crime map to select lower-risk blocks, and take basic property security measures can meaningfully reduce their personal exposure to crime relative to the city average.

How can I use the Hopkinsville crime map effectively?

The crime map is most useful when you filter by crime category and time period simultaneously. For example, filtering for property crimes over the past 90 days in a specific ZIP code gives a far more actionable picture than viewing all incidents at once. Pay attention to heat map clusters — areas with overlapping incident markers across multiple categories (theft plus assault, for instance) represent higher composite risk. Given Hopkinsville's C- grade, it is especially worth checking the map before renting or purchasing a home, since the median home value of $117,675 means many buyers are making a significant financial commitment relative to local incomes. Revisiting the map seasonally is also advisable, as crime patterns in cities of this size often shift with economic conditions and seasonal activity.