Is Independence or Owensboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Independence is safer than Owensboro (Safety Score 97/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 343 per 100,000 versus 3,266 for Owensboro — 90% lower. Independence has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Independence has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Owensboro is 2.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Independence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Owensboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Independence, KY
Owensboro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Independence | Owensboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 342.9 | 3,266.4 | -2,923.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 26.9 | 349.4 | -322.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.7 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 16.8 | 78.2 | -61.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 3.4 | 44.9 | -41.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 6.7 | 224.6 | -217.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 316.0 | 2,917.0 | -2,601.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 23.5 | 337.8 | -314.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 238.7 | 2,258.1 | -2,019.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 53.8 | 321.2 | -267.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Independence or Owensboro safer?
Independence is safer with a total crime rate of 343 per 100K vs 3,266 for Owensboro — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Independence has a violent crime rate of 26.9 per 100K while Owensboro has 349.4. Independence has lower violent crime.
About Independence, KY
Independence, Kentucky, a quaint city in Kenton County, serves as its county seat. Founded in 1834, it is known for its rural character and rolling hills, offering a scenic backdrop for its growing population. With a safety score of 97/100 and a population coverage of 29,747, Independence has a total crime rate of 342.9 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.