Is Ashland or Louisville Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ashland is safer than Louisville Metro (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,703 per 100,000 versus 4,035 for Louisville Metro — 33% lower. Ashland has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ashland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Louisville Metro is 32.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ashland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Louisville Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ashland, KY
Louisville Metro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ashland | Louisville Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,703.4 | 4,034.8 | -1,331.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.9 | 708.6 | -508.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 21.7 | -21.7 |
| Rape Rate | 71.4 | 30.7 | +40.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.0 | 128.2 | -109.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 109.5 | 526.7 | -417.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,503.5 | 3,326.2 | -822.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 285.6 | 455.6 | -170.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,003.7 | 2,086.6 | -82.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 214.2 | 783.9 | -569.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashland or Louisville Metro safer?
Ashland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,703 per 100K vs 4,035 for Louisville Metro — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 199.9 per 100K while Louisville Metro has 708.6. Ashland has lower violent crime.
About Ashland, KY
Ashland, a city in Boyd County, Kentucky, lies along the Ohio River. Once a major hub for the iron and steel industry, it now serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. The city is home to roughly 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 21,011, Ashland has a total crime rate of 2,703.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Louisville Metro, KY
Louisville Metro, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby, sprawls along the Ohio River. This consolidated city-county is Kentucky's most populous, with a diverse urban and suburban landscape. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 676,843, Louisville Metro has a total crime rate of 4,034.8 per 100,000 residents.