Is Bowling Green, KY Safe? 2026 Crime Rates & Safety Report
Key facts
- 01
Bowling Green, Kentucky reported 1,997.61 larceny-theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.80 times the national reference of 1,106.97 per 100,000 and 890.64 per 100,000 above that reference, with 1,471 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 02
Bowling Green, Kentucky reported 95.06 aggravated assault offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.41 times the national reference of 229.56 per 100,000 and 134.50 per 100,000 below that reference, with 70 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 03
Bowling Green, Kentucky reported 287.89 burglary offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.53 times the national reference of 188.15 per 100,000 and 99.74 per 100,000 above that reference, with 212 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 04
Bowling Green, Kentucky reported 28.52 robbery offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.59 times the national reference of 48.24 per 100,000 and 19.72 per 100,000 below that reference, with 21 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 05
Bowling Green, Kentucky reported 215.92 motor vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.12 times the national reference of 193.00 per 100,000 and 22.92 per 100,000 above that reference, with 159 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
Quick answer
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Bowling Green, KY has an adjusted safety score of 48.1 out of 100. It ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Kentucky. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing.
Jump to Section
2026 edition, FBI source year 2025.
Every number on this page ships in the Kentucky workbook.
Key Public Safety Indicators
Reported rates per 100,000 residents; national references shown alongside.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 21 | 28.52 | 48.24 | 0.59× national |
| Aggravated Assault | 70 | 95.06 | 229.56 | 0.41× national |
| Burglary | 212 | 287.89 | 188.15 |
1.53× national |
| Larceny-theft | 1471 | 1997.61 | 1106.97 |
1.8× national |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 159 | 215.92 | 193.0 |
1.12× national |
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What drives Bowling Green's safety score?
Bowling Green ranks in the top quarter of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Kentucky, ahead of approximately 67% of that scored set. The profile uses a reporting population of 73,638 and source-year data through 2025; it is a citywide agency-level comparison, not a neighborhood forecast.
The strongest of the three score components is Personal Safety at 52.86, while Community Order is lowest at 30.02. The 22.84-point spread shows why the composite should be read by component instead of as a single absolute claim about safety.
Among the five public offense indicators, Larceny-theft is highest relative to its national reference at 1997.61 per 100,000 (1.8× the national rate). Aggravated Assault is lowest on the same relative basis at 95.06 per 100,000 (0.41× national).
Coverage check: 18 of 18 tracked offense classes have reportable values in this profile. Missing values are not converted to zero.
Public indicator mix
Bowling Green, Kentucky recorded 1,471 larceny-theft offenses in 2025, 76.1% of the 1,933 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 21 robbery reports (1.1%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Bowling Green, Kentucky recorded 212 burglary offenses in 2025, 11.0% of the 1,933 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 21 robbery reports (1.1%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Bowling Green, Kentucky recorded 159 motor vehicle theft offenses in 2025, 8.2% of the 1,933 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 21 robbery reports (1.1%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Bowling Green, Kentucky uses a reporting population of 73,638 residents and has values for 18 of the 18 tracked offense classes (100.0%) in its 2025 profile; coverage describes available classes rather than the share of residents reporting crime.
Bowling Green, Kentucky has an adjusted score of 48.1 points out of 100 versus 42.76 in Covington, Kentucky, a difference of 5.34 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Bowling Green ranks 1 of 3 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Bowling Green, Kentucky has an adjusted score of 48.1 points out of 100 versus 38.31 in Owensboro, Kentucky, a difference of 9.79 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Bowling Green ranks 1 of 3 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Additional tracked offense classes
- Homicide
- Rape
- Kidnapping/Abduction
- Human Trafficking
- Arson
- Theft From Building
- Theft From Motor Vehicle
- Simple Assault
- Intimidation
- Stolen Property Offenses
- Vandalism
- Weapon Law Violations
- Drug/Narcotic Violations
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 48.1 out of 100 and ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Kentucky.
What is the crime rate in Bowling Green?
Public offense rates are listed above.
What is Bowling Green's safety rating?
Bowling Green's safety rating in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index is 48.1 out of 100, which ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Kentucky. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing, using source-year data through 2025.
What is the safest neighborhood in Bowling Green?
This profile covers the reporting jurisdiction; consult local sources for neighborhood detail.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Bowling Green?
Full offense series: state workbook.
Reading notes
Safety Atlas methodology · 2026 coverage report
Cite This Public Safety Profile
Citation formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
- 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.