6 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Kentucky

Kentucky has a complex crime trend that the state is still working to improve, even though it generally falls in the lower half of state violent crime rates. In 2024, the United States recorded annual crime rates of 5 homicides and 256 aggravated assaults per 100,000 people, compared to 6 and 140, respectively, in Kentucky. Much of that is concentrated in urban areas, while many smaller communities have comparatively low violent-crime rates and a strong sense of neighborhood watchfulness. This attracts residents seeking quieter and safer surroundings. The following six small Kentucky communities are relatively safe, with violent crime levels that tend to sit at or below state and national averages over time.

Fort Mitchell

Fort Mitchell, in Kenton County, combines suburban living with small-town peace. With a population under 10,000, it's considered one of the safer communities in Kentucky based on multiple recent rankings. In the past five years, no homicides and only six aggravated assaults were reported, averaging out to a little more than one a year. The city’s quiet neighborhoods, community-oriented policing, and local amenities create a sense of security and ease of living. For recreation, Fort Mitchell offers parks, family-friendly neighborhoods, and shopping. However, it's also just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, offering all the city has to offer without its downsides. For families, working professionals, or those looking to relocate to a calmer setting with a reasonable commute to an urban job, Fort Mitchell presents a balanced mix of safety, community, and convenience.

Taylor Mill

Taylor Mill, also in Kenton County, is a welcoming community of around 7,000 people with a suburban feel and convenient access to the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region. Police reported over the past 5 years 7 aggravated assaults and no homicides, which supports its reputation as a particularly safe place to live. Locals frequent Knuk-N-Futz for wings in a casual setting after work or ball games. Outdoor enthusiasts unwind at Pride Park, a large green space with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, while nearby Pioneer Park offers additional athletic fields and courts for baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and pickleball. These kinds of amenities help create a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere that reinforces the town’s feeling of security.

Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg, the oldest permanent settlement in Kentucky, is a small city in Mercer County with just over 9,000 residents and a reputation for steady, approachable living. Crime-rate summaries show a total of 51 aggravated assaults and no homicides from 2020-2025. Residents and visitors enjoy Old Fort Harrod State Park, where a reconstructed pioneer fort highlights early frontier history, while the historic Old Mud Meeting House offers one of the region’s oldest church structures. Downtown Harrodsburg features local cafés, shops, and walkable streets, giving the city a relaxed rhythm that appeals to families and long-time locals alike.

Carrollton

Carrollton, located at the meeting point of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers, is a small city of roughly 3,800-4,000 residents with a quiet, close-knit character. It's generally regarded as a calm community, supported by statistics of only nine aggravated assaults and no homicides in the past 5-year period. Outdoor recreation centers on General Butler State Resort Park, offering wooded trails, fishing, picnicking, and seasonal events. The historic Masterson House and Butler-Turpin House add depth for history lovers, while the riverfront provides space for walking, boating, and community gatherings. Carrollton’s mix of heritage, nature, and steady small-town life contributes to its overall sense of safety.

Fort Thomas

Fort Thomas, in Campbell County, on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River and Cincinnati, has about 17,000 residents, making it the largest city on this list but still comfortably under 50,000. Multiple independent ratings describe Fort Thomas as safer than most U.S. communities, with 14 aggravated assaults and one homicide over the whole previous 5-year period. Tower Park, an expansive complex of wooded trails, playgrounds, sports courts, and event spaces, forms the heart of local recreation. The historic armory now functions as a gymnasium and community venue, while the Fort Thomas Water Tower rises over the park as a distinctive stone landmark. History buffs can explore the City of Fort Thomas Museum, which houses artifacts from United States military campaigns in World War I and World War II and tells the story of the former army post. Combined with local festivals, seasonal events, and active neighborhood associations, these amenities help maintain the city’s reputation as a safe and steady community.

Wilmore

Wilmore, a small city in Jessamine County with just over 6,000 residents, markets itself as a close community centered on education and faith-based institutions. Statistics show it to be the safest town on our list, based on a 5-year crime rate of only one aggravated assault and no homicides. High Bridge Park, a short drive from Wilmore, offers playgrounds, picnic spots, and sweeping views of the Kentucky River Palisades and the historic High Bridge, which was once among the highest railroad bridges in the world. In town, Solomon’s Porch Café and Catering on Main Street serves freshly prepared sandwiches, baked goods, and specialty coffees in a cozy, arts-oriented setting. Local colleges, churches, seasonal events, and volunteer groups all contribute to fostering Wilmore’s close-knit community. These elements together create an engaged, watchful community that supports the city’s enduring sense of safety and belonging.

Reassuringly Safe

Kentucky’s small towns stand out as safe places to settle, despite higher crime levels in some of the state’s larger urban centers. These communities share several traits: active residents who take pride in their neighborhoods, stable housing markets, responsive local governments, and modest populations that make it easier to monitor and address problems quickly. For first-time buyers, families, and retirees alike, these six towns offer a reassuring blend of low violent crime rates, everyday amenities, and strong small-town character, often within a convenient drive of larger cities with jobs and amenities: the best of both worlds.