Is Somerset Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

I could either talk you into or out of visiting Somerset, Kentucky.

Between urban legends, a NASA-documented “anomaly,” reports of aliens running amok, and an alleged cult bowing down to a Green Man, it’s unclear if those are a reason to visit or stay away!

That’s in addition to sightings and series of people who just vanished, never to be heard from again.

The city sits along the 37th Parallel, which is reportedly known for UFO activity throughout its path across the globe.

The one thing that is true in all of the tales is that NASA calls this region the “Kentucky Anomaly,” based on a large magnetic field underneath the caverns of this region.

Somerset is dead center in the “Anomaly.”

If you’ve heard of the streaming television show “Hellier,” you might want to watch it before visiting here.

It takes a deep dive into the paranormal and mysterious history of this region.

This area is also home to the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center.

However, there are so many other reasons for spending time in Somerset.

One of those is the proximity to Daniel Boone National Forest, a 708,000-acre national treasure.

While the park is divided into four districts, the closest to Somerset is Stearns District.

From Somerset, you are just 30 minutes from the incredible natural arches that span the region.

There are plenty of waterfalls and the Cumberland River for some water excursions.

Somerset is also a hot spot for hot rods.

The Somernites Cruise Classic Car Show is the biggest of its kind in Kentucky and has made headlines on several popular racing networks.

Warnings & Dangers in Somerset

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Somerset has a low risk according to 2020 crime data. Violent and property crimes are all below the state and national averages. On top of that, there is a lot to do in this region that makes it safe and exciting.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You'll want to have a car here. There isn't a public bus system, and using a taxi or rideshare to get around Daniel Boone National Forest will cost a lot. A rental car will be much cheaper. You can find some taxis or rideshares to get around town if you choose, especially if you're drinking alcohol.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The theft rate here is lower than the national average, but not by much. Pickpocketing isn't very common. Shoplifting is one of the top theft categories, in addition to a category called "Other," which means stealing items from places like yards or campsites.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is the one to worry about the most. There's a medium risk around Kentucky, and Somerset is no exception. You can get tornadoes and extensive flooding. Those are the biggest risks, but thunderstorms during warm months and winter storms are quite common.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates have been cut by two-thirds since 2018. There were four reported in 2020. Normally, I'd write that plunge off as a pandemic-induced drop, but 2019 was also much lower than 2018. Just one of the four robberies was in a public place. The rest were in homes. There's a low risk it will happen to you.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Somerset and the surrounding area. It's a rural area made up of wilderness activities. The Blue Grass Army Depot would be the only potential hard target, and that's an hour northeast of Somerset.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Several phone scams are making their way through Somerset, mainly scammers pretending to be high-ranking officials. This is something that would only impact locals, and tourists shouldn't have to worry about being scammed.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

63% of the violent crimes happen against women in Somerset, according to 2020 data. However, 58% of those crimes happened in homes. There's a low risk, but not low enough that you should ever let your guard down. Here you have to be skilled at outdoor survival and be okay with creepy talk of the supernatural.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Water Quality Report from Somerset Utilities shows low risk, with all categories meeting or exceeding standards and no violations reported. You can use the tap water at low risk, but be sure to sign up for emergency alerts or check the city's social media pages in case of boil orders due to pipe flushing or flooding.

Safest Places to Visit in Somerset

The International Paranormal Museum and Research Center is a great place to start seeing the history and stories of the land.

It’s hard to tell what is satire and what’s real when you look at the social media pages for the museum, so enjoy the confusing and creative stories.

There are parts of the museum that might be a little creepy for kids, but there are other areas where it’s family-friendly.

For example, you can decide if it’s worth the kids seeing a bell that was “purposely haunted by a psychic spirit.”

The newest attraction is just behind the museum and is called Ghost Night Spookshow Monster Gallery.

Downtown Somerset is a mix of history and charm, with restaurants ranging from ice cream shops to classic American food to local breweries.

You can check out some of the theater performances downtown or wander through the Carnegie Community Arts Center.

Either Cumberland Lake or River is directly west and south of Somerset, with the river entering Daniel Boone National Forest southeast of the city.

To the west is Lake Cumberland with Pulaski County Park on the western shore.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fishing Creek Recreation Area is on the eastern banks.

Just west of that lake, Mill Springs is home to a Civil War Battlefield that marked the first critical victory for the Union soldiers.

You can see artifacts of the battle at the Visitor Center and Museum.

While you’re there, grab a map of the driving tour around the battlefield.

You can see a historic mill and home on your adventures, and be sure to pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the cemetery.

South of Somerset, go out to General Burnside Island State Park.

In addition to river adventures, like boating and fishing, golfers will love a chance to play the course here, which has been rated as the best public course in the state.

You can also camp on this island.

If there’s one “must-see” part of Daniel Boone National Park in this area, it’s the Natural Arch Scenic Area (not to be confused with Arches National Park on the other side of the country.)

There are many rock arch displays here with hiking paths that go across the tops.

This rocky region makes for incredible waterfalls too, and you have several choices, including Yahoo Falls and Princess Falls.

You can also cross Freedom Church Swinging Bridge for a unique hiking adventure.

Places to Avoid in Somerset

The higher crime rates are located in the center of town, but that’s normal because it’s where most people and businesses are located.

There isn’t a bad part of town to avoid or a dangerous neighborhood.

One of the rumors in Somerset is that some of the “tall tales” of monsters and cults are specifically made up to keep strangers away.

The South is known for being friendly, but there will be some people who are leery of strangers.

There is absolutely no reason to think any of the oddities here mean visitors aren’t welcome.

The only thing you are expected to do is respect the Kentucky culture and do your best to keep up with the accent and unique sayings, you reckon?

On the section of Lake Cumberland south of town, there is a tunnel that you can only see from the river when the water level is low.

This is an old section of highway that is no longer in use (obviously).

While it’s intriguing to see, don’t go in there.

It’s not a tourist attraction, and there are a lot of potential dangers there.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Somerset

So... How Safe Is Somerset Really?

Somerset has relatively low crime rates and a wonderful world of things to explore.

Of the 21 violent crimes in 2020, 25% of those happened against strangers.

The majority of crimes, 57%, happened in homes.

The city averages just one homicide a year, and that’s if there is any homicide reported in that year.

2020 had no homicides.

Regarding theft, 10% of those reported were car break-ins.

You should always lock your car and roll the windows up when you park, especially in wilderness areas.

A thief will know that you’ll be away for quite a while.

28% of thefts were shoplifting, which doesn’t have a direct impact on a tourist.

However, if a shoplifting situation gets violent, you don’t want to be caught in the middle.

Just leave the location and report any information you have to the police.

When you’re enjoying the outdoors, research the basics like if you need a life jacket on the water (you do), if you can swim in a certain area (there are limits in parts of the river because of swift currents), and what license you should get to be allowed to go fishing.

How Does Somerset Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work Visa to enter the country. You'll need your Visa at Customs, but not after that until you return home. Store it in a safe place. Be sure to start this process early because it can take several months to get the visa issued.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here, and it's smart to have some spending cash in case you find a store or restaurant that doesn't take credit cards. You should never carry all your cash in one place.

Weather

The weather is all over the place in Kentucky, with the temperature changing by the day, sometimes dramatically. Most people here will be wearing some version of camouflage, so that tells you it's a very casual region. Bring sturdy hiking boots and bug spray. You should also bring an outer layer that is waterproof. In the winter, you might need a coat, but there are mild spells where it won't be needed. Check the forest before your trip to help decide what to pack.

Airports

Lexington's Blue Grass Airport is 90 minutes north, and Knoxville's airport is about two and a half hours south.

Travel Insurance

You should definitely get travel insurance that includes any outdoor accidents or injuries. If you are bringing expensive hunting or fishing gear, make sure you know what value you can get back if the airline loses those items.

Somerset Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Kentucky - Safety by City