Jefferson County is the most populous county in Kentucky, with over 760,000 residents. It is also home to Louisville, the largest city in the state. However, not all parts of Jefferson County are equally safe or desirable to live in. According to crime statistics and ratings, some neighborhoods have higher rates of violence, property crime, and poverty than others. Here are the five most worst neighborhoods in Jefferson County, based on data from CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout, and Only In Your State.
5. Center City
Center City is the downtown area of Louisville, where many businesses, attractions, and events are located. However, it is also a hotspot for crime, especially at night. Center City has a crime rate of 85.9 per 1,000 residents, which is more than twice the national average. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Center City are 1 in 12, and the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 14. Center City also has a high poverty rate of 37.9%, which is more than double the county average.
4. Eastland Park
Eastland Park is a neighborhood in the southeast part of Jefferson County, near the border with Bullitt County. It is a suburban area with mostly single-family homes and some apartments. However, it is also one of the most dangerous places in the county, with a crime rate of 88.3 per 1,000 residents. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Eastland Park are 1 in 11, and the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 13. Eastland Park also has a low median household income of $32,857, which is below the county and state averages.
3. Delafield
Delafield is a neighborhood in the southwest part of Jefferson County, near the border with Hardin County. It is a rural area with mostly mobile homes and farms. However, it is also one of the most unsafe places in the county, with a crime rate of 90.7 per 1,000 residents. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Delafield are 1 in 11, and the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 12. Delafield also has a high unemployment rate of 10.9%, which is above the county and state averages.
2. Algonquin
Algonquin is a neighborhood in the west part of Jefferson County, near the Ohio River. It is an urban area with mostly older homes and apartments. However, it is also one of the most troubled places in the county, with a crime rate of 93.1 per 1,000 residents. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Algonquin are 1 in 11, and the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 11. Algonquin also has a high poverty rate of 41.8%, which is more than triple the county average.
1. Park Hill
Park Hill is a neighborhood in the south part of Jefferson County, near the Louisville International Airport. It is a densely populated area with mostly public housing and low-income apartments. However, it is also the most worst neighborhood in the county, with a crime rate of 95.4 per 1,000 residents. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Park Hill are 1 in 10, and the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 11. Park Hill also has a very low median household income of $18,571, which is less than half the county and state averages.
Conclusion
Jefferson County is a diverse and vibrant county, with many cultural, historical, and natural attractions. However, it also has some areas that are plagued by crime, poverty, and social problems. These neighborhoods are not representative of the whole county, but they do reflect some of the challenges and issues that the county faces. By identifying and addressing these issues, the county can improve the quality of life and safety for all its residents.