Is Elizabethtown or Owensboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elizabethtown is safer than Owensboro (Safety Score 80/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 838 per 100,000 versus 3,266 for Owensboro — 74% lower. Elizabethtown has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Owensboro has a 86% lower rate.
Elizabethtown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Owensboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elizabethtown, KY
Owensboro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elizabethtown | Owensboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 838.3 | 3,266.4 | -2,428.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 140.2 | 349.4 | -209.2 |
| Murder Rate | 11.9 | 1.7 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 44.8 | 78.2 | -33.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.9 | 44.9 | -33.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.6 | 224.6 | -156.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 698.1 | 2,917.0 | -2,219.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 119.3 | 337.8 | -218.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 474.3 | 2,258.1 | -1,783.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 104.4 | 321.2 | -216.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabethtown or Owensboro safer?
Elizabethtown is safer with a total crime rate of 838 per 100K vs 3,266 for Owensboro — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elizabethtown has a violent crime rate of 140.2 per 100K while Owensboro has 349.4. Elizabethtown has lower violent crime.
About Elizabethtown, KY
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, county seat of Hardin County, is known for its historic downtown and as a gateway to Abraham Lincoln's birthplace. Located at the intersection of I-65 and the Bluegrass Parkway, it serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 33,522, Elizabethtown has a total crime rate of 838.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Owensboro, KY
Owensboro, Kentucky, known for its International Bluegrass Music Museum, sits on the Ohio River. This Daviess County seat is the fourth-largest city by population in the state. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 60,096, Owensboro has a total crime rate of 3,266.4 per 100,000 residents.