Louisville, KY Crime Rate & Safety

Louisville, KY has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 63% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 166 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 30 chance for property crime. Louisville has higher crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Louisville has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 88% of the city's 159 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Broeck Pointe is one of the safest areas, while Russell has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Louisville is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Louisville are Broeck Pointe, Wildwood, Hills & Dales, Heritage Creek, and Manor Creek. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Louisville include Russell, Smoketown, California, Phoenix Hill, and Park DuValle. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Louisville is 602.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 58% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 166 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.0 per 100K (60% above average); aggravated assault at 444.3 per 100K (66% above average); robbery at 104.7 per 100K (42% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Louisville is 3,332.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 82% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 30 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 411.3 per 100K (52% above average); larceny/theft at 2,389.5 per 100K (70% above average); vehicle theft at 531.9 per 100K (67% above average).

Louisville's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (70% above average), while rape is 34% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Louisville has higher crime than 91% of them.

Visitors to Louisville should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 82% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Broeck Pointe, Wildwood, Hills & Dales.

Kentucky as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Louisville's crime rate is 63% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Kentucky city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Louisville, with an estimated rate of 2,389.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 70% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,333 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (602 per 100K) in Louisville, which is consistent with national trends.