Is Murray or Owensboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murray is safer than Owensboro (Safety Score 55/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 1,528 per 100,000 versus 3,266 for Owensboro — 53% lower. Murray has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Murray has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Owensboro is 3.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Murray — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Owensboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Murray, KY
Owensboro, KY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Murray | Owensboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,528.2 | 3,266.4 | -1,738.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 99.0 | 349.4 | -250.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.7 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 49.5 | 78.2 | -28.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.0 | 44.9 | -33.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 38.5 | 224.6 | -186.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,429.3 | 2,917.0 | -1,487.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 153.9 | 337.8 | -183.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,214.9 | 2,258.1 | -1,043.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.5 | 321.2 | -260.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murray or Owensboro safer?
Murray is safer with a total crime rate of 1,528 per 100K vs 3,266 for Owensboro — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Murray has a violent crime rate of 99.0 per 100K while Owensboro has 349.4. Murray has lower violent crime.
About Murray, KY
Murray, Kentucky, home to Murray State University, is a college town in Calloway County near the Tennessee border. The city's population is predominantly white, reflecting its rural Western Kentucky setting. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 18,191, Murray has a total crime rate of 1,528.2 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.