Fayette County is the second-most populous county in Kentucky, with a population of about 324,000 people. It is home to Lexington, the state’s second-largest city and the “Horse Capital of the World”. Lexington is known for its rich history, culture, education, and sports. However, not all parts of Fayette County are equally safe and livable. Some neighborhoods have higher rates of crime, poverty, and social problems than others. In this article, we will look at the five most worst neighborhoods in Fayette County, based on data from various sources.
1. Duncan Park
Duncan Park is a small neighborhood in the north-central part of Lexington, bounded by North Limestone, East Fifth Street, North Martin Luther King Boulevard, and East Second Street. It has a population of about 6,600 people, mostly African American. Duncan Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Lexington, with a violent crime rate of 1,456 per 100,000 people, which is 438% higher than the city average.
The neighborhood also suffers from high poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity. Duncan Park has a long history of racial segregation, discrimination, and violence, dating back to the 19th century. The neighborhood has been the site of several riots, protests, and shootings over the years. Despite some efforts to revitalize the area, Duncan Park remains a troubled and neglected community.
2. Central Downtown
Central Downtown is the heart of Lexington, where the city’s government, business, entertainment, and cultural activities are concentrated. It is bounded by West Maxwell Street, South Broadway, East Vine Street, and North Broadway. It has a population of about 6,300 people, with a diverse mix of races and ethnicities. Central Downtown is a vibrant and lively neighborhood, but also a risky and chaotic one.
The violent crime rate in Central Downtown is 1,311 per 100,000 people, which is 385% higher than the city average. The neighborhood is plagued by robberies, assaults, burglaries, and vandalism. Central Downtown also has a high rate of homelessness, panhandling, and substance abuse. The neighborhood attracts many visitors and tourists, but also many criminals and troublemakers.
3. Castlewood Park
Castlewood Park is a neighborhood in the northeast part of Lexington, bounded by East Loudon Avenue, North Limestone, East New Circle Road, and Bryan Avenue. It has a population of about 3,600 people, mostly African American. Castlewood Park is another neighborhood with a high violent crime rate, at 1,215 per 100,000 people, which is 349% higher than the city average.
The neighborhood also has a high rate of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and health problems. Castlewood Park was once a thriving and prosperous community, but it declined in the second half of the 20th century, due to urban decay, deindustrialization, and white flight. The neighborhood has been the target of several redevelopment and improvement projects, but it still faces many challenges and difficulties.
4. Lexington Cemetery
Lexington Cemetery is a neighborhood in the northwest part of Lexington, bounded by West Main Street, North Broadway, West Loudon Avenue, and Newtown Pike. It has a population of about 1,600 people, mostly white. Lexington Cemetery is a historic and scenic neighborhood, where the city’s oldest and most famous cemetery is located.
The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, such as Henry Clay, John C. Breckinridge, and James Lane Allen. However, Lexington Cemetery is also a dangerous and creepy neighborhood, with a violent crime rate of 1,213 per 100,000 people, which is 349% higher than the city average. The neighborhood is notorious for its frequent reports of vandalism, theft, trespassing, and ghost sightings. Lexington Cemetery is a place of beauty and history, but also of horror and mystery.
5. Lexington Manor
Lexington Manor is a neighborhood in the southeast part of Lexington, bounded by East New Circle Road, Alumni Drive, Man O War Boulevard, and Richmond Road. It has a population of about 750 people, mostly white. Lexington Manor is a small and quiet neighborhood, but also a risky and isolated one. The violent crime rate in Lexington Manor is 953 per 100,000 people, which is 252% higher than the city average.
The neighborhood is known for its high incidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide. Lexington Manor also has a low rate of education, income, and social interaction. The neighborhood is surrounded by busy roads and commercial areas, but it lacks public transportation, amenities, and services.
Conclusion
Fayette County is a diverse and dynamic county, with many attractions and opportunities. However, it also has many problems and challenges, especially in some of its neighborhoods. The five most worst neighborhoods in Fayette County are Duncan Park, Central Downtown, Castlewood Park, Lexington Cemetery, and Lexington Manor. These neighborhoods have high rates of violent crime, poverty, and social distress, compared to the rest of the county and the state. These neighborhoods need more attention, investment, and support from the authorities, the community, and the society, to improve their safety, livability, and well-being.