Knoxville, TN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Knoxville, TN

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Knoxville is 104.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 1640 violent crimes reported in Knoxville, equivalent to 842 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 127.8%. Additionally, Knoxville recorded 7609 property crimes, amounting to 3908 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 99.9%.

With a total of 4750 crimes per 100,000 people, the Knoxville crime rates stand at 104.36 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Knoxville, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

With a violent crime rate of 842 crimes per 100,000 residents, Knoxville is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Knoxville ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Knoxville stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Knoxville, there were a total of 32 murders, translating to 16 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Knoxville faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3908 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Knoxville stands at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Knoxville has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Knoxville reported 955 vehicle thefts, which equates to 490 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Knoxville is 1 in 204.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Knoxville?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Knoxville residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 235 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 41% of Knoxville residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 59% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Knoxville a Safe Place to Live?

Is Knoxville a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Knoxville has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 104%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 25.34 daily incidents, encompassing 4.49 violent crimes and 20.85 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Knoxville as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Knoxville Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Knoxville. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Knoxville has decreased by 0.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 3.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 1.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Knoxville Neighborhood Crime Rates

Knoxville is a large urban city with at least 16 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Knoxville include: Old City, Downtown Knoxville and Fourth And Gill. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: Oakwood, Fort Sanders and Beaumont.

Potential Causes for Crime in Knoxville

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Knoxville crime rates. For instance, in Knoxville, the population density stands at 1899.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Knoxville, the cost of living is 15.74% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Knoxville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.79, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Knoxville crime map