The 10 Safest Cities In Kentucky For 2026

One thing is certain -- Independence, Kentucky has declared independence from dangerous streets. Independence is the most populated city on this list, proving that safe cities don't have to come in small packages. The property crime rate in Independence is the real bragging point for residents; it's more than four times lower than the national average, earning the city the 3rd place rank in this category for Kentucky.

So grab a shot of bourbon at Boone County Distilling Co., knowing you couldn't manage to have your wallet stolen even if you tried.

Independence is the fifth and final city on this list in Kenton County, and is located just a short drive from many other cities on this list.

Vine Grove is ideal for finding genuine Kentucky small-city vibes and big-city pride. This spirit is one of the reasons it has held firm from last year to be our second safest city in Kentucky.

It might not be Louisville, but this little town with a vibrant downtown scene, unforgettable summer festivals, and year-round fun is just as notable and safe. Probably why it's one of the most populated cities at the northern end of Hardin County.

Wilmore, Kentucky, is a relatively small town, with a population of just 6,137. However, don't let its size fool you. It's also a local cultural center, hosting the Highbridge Film Festival. It's also a convenient half-hour drive from Lexington, the state capital.

Adding to Wilmore's appeal is its impressively low crime rate. The town reported just 28 property crimes during the year. It also had 1 violent crimes. Overall, these figures lead to an overall crime rate of 472/100k people.

All this puts Wilmore at number 3 on the list of the safest places in Kentucky.

Slap on a fluorescent orange safety jacket before you ride, and read on to find out why Flatwoods is our fourth safest city in Kentucky.

It might not be Barney Fife's Mayberry, or maybe it is, but this little town with a vibrant community, unforgettable neighborhoods, and year-round fun backed by a strong farming community is just as notable and just as safe. Probably why it's one of the most sought after cities outside of Ashland. It doesn't end there folks. This little piece of heaven, just outside Greenbo State Park, is a family friendly, safe city. It boasts convenient strip malls and we're pretty sure a Dollar General or two. It's a great place to raise a family. And word on the street is that young professionals are starting to take notice and move Flatwoods' direction. So don't wait, because the word is out.

And if you want to read more about how great Flatwoods is, check out our article The Best Cities in Kentucky. Not surprising, Flatwoods also made our top twenty. Good work 'Good Neighbor Community'!

Welcome to our fifth safest city in Kentucky: Taylor Mill. This old mill city in Kenton County should be called the 'The Best City to live in Kentucky,' too, because all is crazy safe and super fine in the 859. We don't know about you, but we think a city with local festivals and multiple recreational opportunities sounds like a place we could definitely call home.

And kudos to Taylor Mill, their snackability rating is off the charts: a whopping 8.5/10! Their number of amenities scored an 8.5/10 and their education rating an 8/10! There's a reason Taylor Mill's motto is 'Taylored with Pride,' they have a strong sense of community with a big city focus. Check it out! We're pretty sure you will want to call it home.

Of course Fort Thomas is safe. The whole idea behind a fort is to keep its inhabitants safe, and that is exactly what the 'City of Beautiful Homes,' has done to become our sixth safest city in Kentucky

This is the quintessential Kentucky river city located in the southern bank of the Ohio River. Not surprising, they received an 8.5/10 job opportunity score and an 8.5/10 affordability score. There is a sense of true community in this city in Campbell County.

Whether it's strolling their newly renovated downtown or at the local coffee shop, nothing says safe like a community that creates opportunities to get to know anything and everything about each other. Just make sure you take the trash out in proper attire because someone is always watching, and you wouldn't want to become the talk of hometown hero Cris Collinsworth's next NFL segment.

Mount Washington just so happens to be our seventh safest city in Kentucky. And if you don't know how to keep it safe, they will put you in the Bullitt County Detention Center.

Mount Washington is a city slightly southeast of Louisville. Mount Washington's residents say that this little slice of paradise on the Kentucky/Indiana border is the 'Pride of the Bluegrass State.' So it is no surprise that they keep moving up our list. And, it's definitely not shocking that they scored a 9/10 safety rating.

Where Kentucky State Road 71 meets West Virginia State Road 275 is Edgewood. This Cincinnati-burb, known for its bootlegging' and rum running' stories from the late 1800s, is our eighthsafest city in Kentucky 2026.

All bootlegging aside, Edgewood is also known for its safe, family friendly atmosphere. There is a ton of stuff to do in this little town of 8,382 residents in the tiny tip of Kenton County. They have a boat load of places to shop and dine, and their immaculate parks, Presidents Park, Freedom Park, and Victory Park, provide the backdrop for safe, friendly games of basketball, volleyball, and soccer for all ages. Heck, there town motto is "Where every day is a walk in the park".

So if you want to feel like everyday's a walk in the park, grab the fam, pack up the pick-up, and get a-movin' so you don't miss out on any of their safe, family friendly, activities scheduled for 2026.

Lawrenceburg is a relatively small town, with a population that tops out at 12,241. Still, its products are known throughout the world. If you've got a taste for Kentucky bourbon, then Lawrenceburg is a crucial community for you. After all, the town is the home of the Wild Turkey distillery.

You'd think with all that alcohol sloshing around, Lawrenceburg would be a rowdy town. Quite the opposite. Actually, the community ranks as the 9 safest spot in the state.

Located between Kentucky's major population centers of Louisville and Lexington, Lawrenceburg reported only 7 violent crimes during the year. In terms of population, this equates to a per-capita rate of 57/100k people. Things are similarly subdued when it comes to property crimes. There were only 66 such violations in a year.