Is Bowling Green, KY Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report
Generative Engine Summary
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Bowling Green, KY has an adjusted safety score of 39.75 out of 100. It ranks #347 safest out of the 351 scored jurisdictions in Kentucky. The city's overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing.
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Key Public Safety Indicators
The table below lists per-capita crime rates normalized per 100,000 residents for the five primary crime categories. Per-capita tracking provides an objective, volume-neutral comparison against state and national averages.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 20 | 27.16 | 37.35 | 0.73x lower |
| Aggravated Assault | 57 | 77.41 | 178.78 | 0.43x lower |
| Burglary | 191 | 259.38 | 143.36 | 1.81x higher |
| Larceny-theft | 1264 | 1716.51 | 857.1 | 2.0x higher |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 142 | 192.84 | 152.54 | 1.26x higher |
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Rates for remaining secondary offense categories (including specialized property and community order metrics) are locked under our security and anti-scraping policy.
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Academic researchers, journalists, and policy professionals can cite this profile using the following formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
Safety Atlas scorecards are constructed from audited law enforcement data. We do not use surveys, sentiment indexes, or self-reported resident reviews.
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowling Green safe compared to other places in Kentucky?
Bowling Green is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 39.75 out of 100 and ranks #347 safest out of the 351 scored jurisdictions in Kentucky.
What is the crime rate in Bowling Green?
The primary crime rate in Bowling Green for offenses displayed includes Robbery, Burglary, and Aggravated Assault. With only 20 annual robberies reported, Bowling Green shows specific relative safety profiles. The overall trajectory trend is currently decreasing.
What is the safest neighborhood in Bowling Green?
National NIBRS reports are aggregated at the municipal-wide level for Bowling Green. To find neighborhood-specific safety data, you can consult local precinct mapping dashboards or purchase the full Kentucky Safety Workbook.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Bowling Green?
Under the Safety Atlas anti-scraping and data integrity policies, detailed per-capita rates and YoY trends for secondary offense classes are locked. Granular figures for all 18 FBI crime classes are reserved for subscribers of the Kentucky Public Safety Workbook.