Downtown Neighborhood, Louisville
Crime Rate & Statistics
Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average
Safer than 4% of neighborhoods in Louisville
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Louisville
Is Downtown Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average here. Downtown in Louisville, KY has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 4% of neighborhoods in Louisville.
Compared to the Louisville average (crime index 92), Downtown is 87% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 179, 79% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 133).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Louisville city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Assault
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
179 | +79% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Louisville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Louisville?
Downtown in Louisville, KY has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average. Compared to the Louisville average, crime in Downtown is 87% higher. Downtown is safer than 4% of neighborhoods in Louisville.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Louisville?
Downtown has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 179), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 133).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Louisville?
Downtown's overall crime index is 179, compared to the Louisville average of 92. This means crime in Downtown is 87% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 165, and for property crime it is 167. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Rape, with a crime index of 179 (79% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Paristown Pointe and Butchertown. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 3,944. The median household income is $28,436. The median home value is $389,678. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 79% above the national average (index 179 vs 100). Within Louisville, it is safer than 4% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.