Most Dangerous Areas In and Around Lexington

Located in the state’s bluegrass region and home to hundreds of horse farms, Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the “Horse Capital of the World”. Home to some 322,000 residents, Lexington is also the second most populous city in Kentucky, after Louisville. Over the years, Lexington has seen rapid population growth, which has forced the city to manage the demands of rapid urbanization while striving to remain true to the equestrian culture for which the region is known. While mostly successful, Lexington does have a few problem areas.

Using publicly available crime data and community safety discussions, this guide examines the most dangerous areas in and around Lexington. The focus is primarily on neighborhoods within the city, where crime patterns are most consistently reported.

RELATED: LEXINGTON CRIME RATE STATISTICS

Areas in and Around Lexington With the Highest Crime Rates

While Lexington is a vibrant city, supporting a wide variety of lifestyles, some of its neighborhoods experience higher-than-average safety challenges. This can make home security systems in Lexington a valuable asset. To help residents and visitors understand local safety risks, we reviewed crime data from AreaVibes along with publicly available reports and community safety discussions to identify areas with the highest concentrations of violent and property crime.

Duncan Park

Duncan Park leads the list of the most dangerous areas in Lexington. With a population of 6,632 residents, the area’s violent crime rate tallies 1,533 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 485% higher than the city’s average and 285% higher than the national average. Situated in the southeast portion of the city, near downtown Lexington, Duncan Park’s borders include East Loudon Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Third Street, Fourth Street, and Jefferson Street. While the park itself is considered an attraction, the neighborhood has a reputation for high levels of poverty, drug deals, and violent crime when compared to other parts of Lexington.

Central Downtown

Central Downtown Lexington has a violent crime rate of 1,380 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 427% higher than that of the city as a whole and 259% higher than the national average. These statistics rank it as the second most dangerous area in the city. Central Downtown Lexington’s borders include Church Street, North Limestone Street, East Short Street, East Main Street, West Main Street, and North Mill Street. While the area is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, Central Downtown also has an increased focus on security due to property crimes and occasional violent disturbances.

Castlewood Park

Castlewood Park is bordered by Rosemont Garden, Chevy Chase/Ashland Ave and East Main Street. With approximately 3,624 residents, Castlewood Park’s violent crime rate of 1,190 per 100,000 people is 354% higher than that of Lexington as a whole, and 320% higher than the national average. Situated in the southeastern quadrant of the city, property offenses, including theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins, make up most of the reported incidents associated with the Castlewood Park area. Nuisance and disorderly conduct incidents are also reported to occur.

RELATED: THE SAFEST AREAS IN AND AROUND LEXINGTON

Eastland Park – Dixie Plantation

Eastland Park-Dixie Plantation, home to about 3,300 residents, posts a violent crime rate of 950 per 100,000 people. This ranks it as experiencing 263% more crime than the city as a whole and 258% more than the national average. The area’s borders include Eastland Parkway, Winchester Road, New Circle Road, and Interstate 75. Property crimes, including theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins, comprise most incidents. While violent crimes such as assault and robbery are also reported to be well above average in the area, they occur less frequently than property crime.

Lexington Cemetery

Lexington Cemetery, with a population of approximately 1600, experiences violent crime at the rate of 946 incidents per 100,000 residents. That works out to be 261% more than Lexington in general and 124% more than the nation’s average. Bordered by Buchanan Street, Newtown Pike, West Main, and Price Road, the area has experienced various criminal incidents, often related to the nearby transit hubs and shopping districts. While the cemetery itself is both a historical site and a tourist attraction, the surrounding area has been associated with violent incidents, including homicides in recent years.

What Contributes to Higher Crime Rates in Some Areas

While no single factor defines a neighborhood, areas that report higher crime activity often experience a mix of environmental and economic stressors. These may include:

• Limited access to social services
• Higher poverty or unemployment rates
• Under-resourced infrastructure
• Fewer community programs or patrols
  

It’s also important to note that crime data doesn’t define a neighborhood’s potential. Many of these communities are home to dedicated residents and local organizations working toward positive change.

Best Practices If You Live in a High-Crime Area

Being proactive doesn’t require a major investment — even simple steps can improve safety and visibility:

• Keep your property well-lit at night
• Always lock doors, windows, and vehicles
• Install visible cameras or video doorbells
• Join or start a neighborhood watch
• Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
• Report suspicious activity to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers or phone 859.253.2020
• Crime prevention starts with community awareness and consistent action.

FOR YOU: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS

How Guardian Protection Can Help

For residents concerned about home safety, technology can add an extra layer of awareness and deterrence. Guardian Protection offers tools designed to support proactive security, including:

• Outdoor security cameras with motion-triggered alerts
• Video doorbells that record and notify in real time
• Smart sensors to monitor doors and windows
• 24/7 professional monitoring for fast emergency response

Our systems help families stay informed and connected, particularly in areas where faster awareness and response can make a meaningful difference.

EXPLORE GUARDIAN’S SERVICES IN YOUR AREA: HOME SECURITY IN LEXINGTON

Building a Safer Lexington Together

Crime data can be helpful for awareness, but it doesn’t tell the full story. What matters most is how communities respond. Whether you’re already involved in local safety efforts or just looking to protect your household, every step makes a difference.

Guardian Protection is proud to support Lexington homeowners with home security solutions that fit your neighborhood’s needs.

Ready to feel more secure? Get your free quote or call 859.594.5651 to learn more.

Learn More About Home Security

Get more information on how to enhance your home’s protection.