Lexington, Kentucky, December 31, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky, has reported its lowest homicide rates in a decade, with only 20 homicides in 2025. This represents a significant reduction in violent crime, particularly among youth, where gun-related incidents have markedly decreased. Key community initiatives have played a crucial role in these positive trends, although city officials highlight the need for ongoing efforts to ensure sustained progress in reducing violence.
Lexington, Kentucky, Reports Decade-Low Homicide Rates and Declining Youth Violence
Lexington, Kentucky has recorded its lowest number of homicides in a decade, achieving a significant reduction in violent crime. In 2025, the city saw 20 total homicides, including 19 by gun, compared to a four-year average of 29 gun-related killings. The number of reported shooting victims also declined dramatically to 50, down from an average of 101 over the previous four years. These statistics indicate a sustained reduction in gun violence, with approximately a 60% decrease in community violence seen over the past three to five years.
Decline in Youth Gun Violence
The drop in gun violence is especially pronounced among youth and young adults. In 2025, Lexington experienced 10 gun-related homicides involving victims aged 10 to 29, a reduction from an average of 15 in previous years. Additionally, nonfatal shootings within this age group decreased to 32, down from an average of 69. This improvement is reflective of the effectiveness of targeted interventions aimed at curbing youth violence.
Community Initiatives and ONE Lexington’s Role
Central to this progress is ONE Lexington, an initiative operating under the mayor’s office. It brings together community partners, government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and faith groups to coordinate prevention and intervention efforts. In 2024, the program allocated $100,000 in Violence Prevention Grants to local nonprofits and supported Fayette County Public Schools Family Resource and Youth Centers.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Goals
Despite these positive trends, city officials stress the importance of ongoing efforts to maintain progress. The Lexington Police Chief highlighted that while the decline in violent crime is promising, the work to address the root causes of violence must continue. Looking forward, Lexington leaders remain committed to further reducing gun violence, with plans to release a comprehensive 2025 annual report detailing achievements and strategies for sustained improvement.
FAQ
What were the homicide statistics for Lexington in 2025?
In 2025, Lexington reported 20 homicides, including 19 by gun, compared to a four-year average of 29 gun-related killings.
How has youth gun violence changed in Lexington?
In 2025, there were 10 gun-related homicides involving victims aged 10 to 29, down from an average of 15 over the previous four years. Nonfatal shootings in this age group also declined to 32, down from an average of 69.
What is ONE Lexington and what role does it play in reducing gun violence?
ONE Lexington is an initiative housed in the mayor’s office that coordinates community partners, government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and faith groups in prevention and intervention efforts. In 2024, ONE Lexington distributed $100,000 in Violence Prevention Grants to local nonprofits and provided support to Fayette County Public Schools Family Resource and Youth Centers.
What are the future plans for addressing gun violence in Lexington?
Lexington leaders remain committed to further reducing gun violence and plan to release a full 2025 annual report in the coming weeks, detailing progress made and outlining strategies for continued improvement.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decade-Low Homicide Rates | 20 homicides in 2025, including 19 by gun, compared to a four-year average of 29 gun-related killings. |
| Decline in Youth Gun Violence | 10 gun-related homicides involving victims aged 10 to 29 in 2025, down from an average of 15 over the previous four years. Nonfatal shootings in this age group declined to 32, down from an average of 69. |
| ONE Lexington’s Initiatives | Distributed $100,000 in Violence Prevention Grants to local nonprofits and provided support to Fayette County Public Schools Family Resource and Youth Centers in 2024. |
| Ongoing Efforts | City officials emphasize the need for continued vigilance and plan to release a full 2025 annual report detailing progress and strategies for further improvement. |
Now Happening on X
- @FOX56News (December 27, 2025, 3:00 AM) A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with a shots-fired call near Centre Parkway in Lexington. View on X
- @WXII (December 31, 2025, 3:32 AM) Police share update on man hurt in shooting that killed a Lexington police officer. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 26, 2025, 11:16 AM) A large police presence was seen in the 200 block of South Limestone in Lexington amid a confirmed shooting early Friday morning, with one person seen in handcuffs. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 26, 2025, 4:00 PM) Officers with the Lexington Police Department are investigating after a car was damaged on Christmas morning by a person wielding a shovel. View on X
- @lexkypolice (December 26, 2025, 1:04 PM) Officers responded to a shooting in the 200 block of South Limestone, where a female victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 29, 2025, 3:13 AM) The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan on Sunday night, providing emergency shelters, free rides on Lextran, and outreach efforts. View on X
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