Louisville is the largest city in the state of Kentucky and the county seat of Jefferson County.
The World Population Review indicates that the 2023 population was 621,764.
The city grew after its first settlement in the mid-18th century.
It became a major area for factory production during WWII.
People began relocating to the suburbs in the 1960s.
Louisville’s growth comes in spurts, with the current population down a little from the 2020 U.S. Census when there were 624,444 Louisville residents.
The vibrant arts and culture community attracts many people to the area.
The city has a high overall crime rate, with crime occurring mostly in dangerous neighborhoods.
There are many safe neighborhoods where residents enjoy their lifestyle.
People wanting to move to the area can learn which neighborhoods are the safest Louisville neighborhoods.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Louisville
1. Cherokee Gardens
The Cherokee Gardens neighborhood has a population of less than 800 residents.
It is located just a few miles from Downtown Louisville.
Most residents own their homes, even though the median home value in Cherokee Gardens is 207 percent higher than the national average.
The cost of renting property is lower than the national average.
Cherokee Gardens is one of the safest Louisville neighborhoods.
The crime rate is 53 percent lower than the state average, and 66 percent lower than the national average.
2. Bonnycastle
Bonnycastle features craftsman-style bungalows and Victorian homes.
The attractive neighborhood has an excellent livability rating.
The population is slightly over 2,000 residents.
The neighborhood has only a few parks but boasts many entertainment and dining options.
One feature that Bonnycastle does not have is diversity.
Nearly all the residents are white, with two percent of the Bonnycastle residents identifying as Hispanic and less than one percent identifying as black.
The crime rate in the neighborhood is 53 percent lower than the Kentucky average.
It is 66 percent lower than the U.S. average.
The year-over-year crime rate is also down in Bonnycastle.
3. Gardiner Lane
Situated in eastern Louisville, the quaint neighborhood of Gardiner Lane has a high livability score.
Gardiner Lane, where most residents own their homes, has excellent schools.
The median income for residents is 69 percent higher than the median income for the state of Kentucky.
The neighborhood is one of the safest Louisville neighborhoods.
Year-over-year crime is down.
The crime rate is lower than the state average and the national average.
4. Hawthorne
Residents of the Hawthorne neighborhood enjoy living a simple lifestyle.
Located eight miles from downtown Louisville, Hawthorne features quiet streets and good schools.
There are only a few amenities in Hawthorne, but there are good housing options for residents and future residents.
The overall crime rates in Hawthorne are lower than the Kentucky average.
The crime rate is also lower than the national average.
Your chance of being a crime victim in the neighborhood is considerably lower than the U.S. average.
5. Cherokee Seneca
Listed as one of the best Louisville neighborhoods, the small neighborhood of Cherokee Seneca is one of the most desirable areas in the city.
Residents and visitors enjoy the many amenities, including the Wyatt Center for the Arts, the Lusk Family Amphitheater, and the 409-acre Cherokee Park.
The small population of fewer than 2,300 residents likely contributes to the low crime rate.
Your chance of becoming a crime victim in Cherokee Seneca is much lower than the national average.
The crime rate for the neighborhood is lower than the Kentucky average and the U.S. average.
6. Tyler Park
Tyler Park has an exceptional livability score of 84 out of a top score of 100.
Area Vibes gives Tyler Park an “A+” grade for employment, commute, and amenities.
Tyler Park, Castlewood Greenspace, the Norton Fine Arts Center, and Headliner’s Music Hall are some neighborhood amenities.
The low crime rate is another reason that residents often choose to call Tyler Park their home.
The overall crime rate is 66 percent lower than the national average.
It is 53 percent lower than the state’s overall crime rate.
7. Belknap
Belknap is one of the best neighborhoods in Louisville to purchase a home.
The cost to purchase a home in Belknap is higher than the national average, but it is more affordable than in some other Louisville neighborhoods.
The cost of living and the median home value in Belknap is higher than the state and the national average.
Residents take pride in their home and their neighborhood.
Belknap was the first Kentucky neighborhood to receive an award from Neighborhoods, USA.
Crime is low in Belknap.
The neighborhood has lower overall crime than the national average and the Kentucky average.
8. Hayfield Dundee
Residents of Hayfield Dundee enjoy the quiet offered in a neighborhood where there are fewer than 3,000 residents.
Most residents own their own home.
The cost of purchasing a home in the Hayfield Dundee neighborhood of Louisville is an estimated 91 percent higher than the average cost of a home in the state.
The median home value is higher than the U.S. average.
Rental costs are slightly higher than the national average.
Hayfield Dundee schools receive excellent scores.
Test scores for neighborhood students are 39 percent higher than the national average.
The high school graduation rate is higher than the state and the national average.
The violent crime rate is lower than the U.S. average for violent crime.
The overall crime rate in the Hayfield Dundee neighborhood is 30 percent lower than the state average.
It is 50 percent lower than the U.S. average.
9. Highlands Douglass
Situated near the Highlands neighborhood, Highlands Douglass is a neighborhood that attracts singles and young professionals.
The nightlife attracts younger residents, while the parks, arts, and nature areas are ideal for families and other residents.
The cost of living in Highlands Douglass is slightly more expensive than the state and national average.
Residents earn a median income that is an estimated 80 percent higher than the median income for the state of Kentucky.
Highlands Douglass residents are likely to feel safe in their neighborhood.
The crime rate in the neighborhood is lower than the Kentucky average and lower than the U.S. average.
10. Avondale Melbourne Heights
The average cost of purchasing a home is higher in Avondale Melbourne Heights, compared to the state and national average.
The family-friendly, dog-friendly neighborhood has excellent schools and excellent commute times.
Avondale Melbourne Heights residents consider their neighborhood so safe that many people feel safe walking at night.
The crime rate for the neighborhood is equal to the state crime rate.
Overall crime is 28 percent lower than the U.S. average.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Louisville
- Book your hotel in a safe neighborhood. Check the neighborhood where you want to book your hotel before making a final decision. Do not stay at a hotel in a dangerous neighborhood.
- Visit the sights and attractions during daylight hours. Visitors to the Louisville area may not be familiar with the neighborhoods that have sights and attractions. Do not visit an attraction, popular destination, or entertainment venue at night if you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood.
- Phone a friend. Take a friend with you when you go out in Louisville if you do not know the neighborhood. Take someone with you when you look at a home or attend an open house.
- Avoid unsafe neighborhoods. The unsafe neighborhoods are largely responsible for the high crime rate in Louisville. Do not think that you can talk your way out of a situation or that you will not become a crime victim. Most people who commit crimes have committed past crimes.
- Stop in well-lit areas. Do not stop your vehicle or walk in Louisville neighborhoods that do not have well-lit areas. Stay where there are a lot of people if you need to get out of your vehicle in Louisville.
Louisville Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Louisville Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some dangerous Louisville neighborhoods?
Some unsafe neighborhoods in Louisville include Duvalle, Park Hill, Shawnee, and Limerick.
Residents often advise avoiding the western Louisville neighborhoods.
Is Louisville a good place for seniors?
The low cost of living in Louisville is one reason that seniors like Louisville.
The low crime rate in the safest neighborhoods and affordable healthcare are reasons that seniors often live in Louisville.
How do I find the best Louisville neighborhood?
Consider whether you want a family-friendly neighborhood, or a neighborhood where there are mostly singles or retirees.
Look for a neighborhood with low crime rates that fits your budget and lifestyle.
