Is Scottsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Scottsville

The city of Scottsville, Kentucky, presents a complex picture for potential residents, balancing affordability with certain safety concerns and a developing job market. Understanding these facets is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Southern Kentucky community.

Is it Safe to Live in Scottsville?

Scottsville, KY, experiences crime rates that are higher than the national average. The average violent crime rate is 150.9% above the national average, with property crime also being significantly higher at 130.7% above the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). These statistics indicate a higher likelihood of experiencing crime in Scottsville compared to many other U.S. cities.

However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. While overall statistics suggest a heightened risk, specific areas within Scottsville might offer a safer environment. It is advisable to research local crime maps and statistics for particular neighborhoods of interest before making a decision.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Scottsville, KY, is generally considered to be higher than the national average. This is driven by several factors, including housing expenses, transportation costs, and food prices. One report indicates that Scottsville’s cost of living is 2% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Despite the overall higher cost of living, housing costs in Scottsville are noted to be lower than the national average, with a median property value of $160,700 (as reported by Data USA). This discrepancy suggests that while some expenses are elevated, housing may offer a relative affordability compared to other areas. The homeownership rate in Scottsville, KY, is 44.2%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market

Scottsville, KY, presents a housing market with a median listing price of $273,900 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The market shows a modest shift, with homes for sale spending more time on the market compared to the previous year. This indicates a potential easing of bidding pressure for buyers.

The median sale price has grown by 5.75% year-over-year, suggesting rising values that could benefit sellers. However, the price per square foot has seen a slight decrease year-over-year. There are currently 219 homes for sale in Scottsville, providing a snapshot of available inventory for potential buyers (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Scottsville, KY, is characterized by a decline in employment over the past year. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Scottsville declined by 0.337% (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include manufacturing, accommodation and food services, and retail trade.

Major employers in Scottsville include Dollar General Corp., which operates a significant storage warehouse and distribution center, employing 444 individuals (as reported by the Scottsville-Allen County Industrial Development Authority). Other significant employers in the region include J M Smucker LLC and Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Inc. (as reported by the Scottsville-Allen County Industrial Development Authority).

The unemployment rate in Allen County, which includes Scottsville, was 3.8% in October 2024 (as reported by the Scottsville-Allen County Industrial Development Authority). This rate is slightly higher than the national average for the same period, which was 3.3% (as reported by the Scottsville-Allen County Industrial Development Authority).

Climate

Scottsville, Kentucky, experiences a climate with temperatures that typically range from 25°F in the winter to 88°F in the summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation averages 54 inches, with about 7 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The summer months, particularly July and August, can be uncomfortably humid. The month with the most precipitation is May, averaging around 5 inches. Scottsville has approximately 136 days per year with comfortable weather, with the most pleasant times to visit being from April to June and September to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education

The public school system serving Scottsville, KY, is the Allen County School District. Allen County-Scottsville High School receives a school quality rating of 4 out of 10, performing better than 38.6% of all U.S. schools and 31.0% of all Kentucky schools (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Test scores at Allen County-Scottsville High School indicate that 34% of students meet state assessment standards in reading and 39% in mathematics. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Other schools in the district include Allen County Intermediate Center and James E Bazzell Middle School (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Demographics

Scottsville, KY, has a population of approximately 4,715 residents (as of 2026, projected) (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Scottsville is 36.6 years (as reported by World Population Review). The racial makeup of Scottsville is predominantly White, accounting for 95.14% of the population (as reported by World Population Review).

The median household income in Scottsville was $35,562 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Scottsville stands at 21.95%, which is significantly higher than the national average (as reported by World Population Review). This indicates a notable portion of the population faces economic challenges.