Paducah, KY Crime Rate & Safety

Paducah, KY has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 14% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 205 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 38 chance for property crime. Paducah has higher crime than 76% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Paducah has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 78% of the city's 49 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, The Grove is one of the safest areas, while Uppertown has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Paducah is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Paducah are The Grove, Valley Road, Woodlawn, Deer Lick Place, and Heather Hills. 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 Paducah include Uppertown, Walter Jetton, Cruse, Glendale, and Jefferson Street. 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 Paducah is 488.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 28% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 205 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.8 per 100K (16% above average); aggravated assault at 351.0 per 100K (31% above average); robbery at 91.9 per 100K (24% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Paducah is 2,614.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 38 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 330.4 per 100K (22% above average); larceny/theft at 1,887.3 per 100K (35% above average); vehicle theft at 396.4 per 100K (24% above average).

Paducah's overall crime rate is 14% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (35% above average), while murder is 16% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Paducah has higher crime than 76% of them.

Visitors to Paducah should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 43% 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 The Grove, Valley Road, Woodlawn.

Kentucky as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Paducah's crime rate is 14% above the national average, which is roughly in line with the state's overall rate.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Paducah, with an estimated rate of 1,887.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 35% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,614 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (488 per 100K) in Paducah, which is consistent with national trends.