Is Bardstown or Louisville Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bardstown is safer than Louisville Metro (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,559 per 100,000 versus 4,035 for Louisville Metro — 61% lower. Bardstown has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bardstown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Louisville Metro is 48.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bardstown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Louisville Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bardstown, KY
Louisville Metro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bardstown | Louisville Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,559.2 | 4,034.8 | -2,475.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 165.3 | 708.6 | -543.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 21.7 | -21.7 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 30.7 | -2.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.3 | 128.2 | -77.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 86.2 | 526.7 | -440.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,394.0 | 3,326.2 | -1,932.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 194.0 | 455.6 | -261.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,027.5 | 2,086.6 | -1,059.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.5 | 783.9 | -611.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bardstown or Louisville Metro safer?
Bardstown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,559 per 100K vs 4,035 for Louisville Metro — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bardstown has a violent crime rate of 165.3 per 100K while Louisville Metro has 708.6. Bardstown has lower violent crime.
About Bardstown, KY
Bardstown, Kentucky, "Most Beautiful Small Town in America," is home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This town of roughly 13,000 residents is located in Nelson County, part of the Louisville/Jefferson County metro area. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 13,917, Bardstown has a total crime rate of 1,559.2 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.