| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Nashville/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39,378 | n/a (estimate) | 5,634 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 102 | n/a | 14.6 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 503 | n/a | 72.0 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,083 | n/a | 154.9 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6,169 | n/a | 882.6 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7,857 | n/a (estimate) | 1,124 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3,093 | n/a | 442.5 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 23,377 | n/a | 3,344.4 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5,051 | n/a | 722.6 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 31,521 | n/a (estimate) | 4,510 | 2,032 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Nashville crime rate is 165.8% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Nashville, there were 7857 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1124 per 100,000 individuals, 213% higher than the national average. Additionally, Nashville recorded 31521 property crimes, amounting to 4510 per 100,000 residents, 156.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 5634 per 100,000 residents, Nashville experiences a crime rate that is 165.84% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Nashville contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
With a violent crime rate of 1124 crimes per 100,000 residents, Nashville is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Nashville ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 89 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.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Nashville is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 102 murders in Nashville, which equates to 15 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Nashville being a very dangerous place to live.
Nashville has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4510 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Nashville is 1 in 23, which is far higher than the national average.
With a total of 5051 vehicle thefts last year, Nashville has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 723 per 100,000 people. This lands Nashville in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 139.
What do the local residents think about crime in Nashville? Well, based on a recent survey of 321 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 24% of Nashville residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 76% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Nashville, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Nashville presents a total crime rate that is 166% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Nashville experiences an average of 107.88 daily crimes, comprising 21.53 violent incidents and 86.36 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Nashville. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Nashville has increased by 19.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 2.5%, while property crime has increased by 26.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Nashville.
The Nashville area comprises a diverse array of over 79 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Barclay Drive, Edmondson-Cloverland and Poplar Creek Estates which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Shepherd Hills, Elizabeth Park and Buena Vista Heights exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Nashville neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
In Nashville, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Nashville crime rates.
In Nashville, 83.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Nashville is $472,454, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Nashville | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,637 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nolensville, TN | 9,422 | 50 | 207 | 257 |
| Pleasant View, TN | 4,781 | 35 | 298 | 333 |
| Forest Hills, TN | 5,054 | 154 | 528 | 682 |
| Oak Hill, TN | 4,717 | 154 | 528 | 682 |
| Shackle Island, TN | 4,139 | 154 | 528 | 682 |
| Brentwood, TN | 44,025 | 58 | 730 | 787 |
| Hendersonville, TN | 59,856 | 123 | 714 | 837 |
| Nashville, TN | 692,022 | 1,124 | 4,510 | 5,634 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
| El Paso, TX | 703,663 | 278 | 1,494 | 1,772 |
| Portland, OR | 675,307 | 720 | 5,526 | 6,246 |
| Memphis, TN | 674,455 | 2,501 | 6,899 | 9,400 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 671,652 | 676 | 2,893 | 3,569 |
| Nashville, TN | 692,022 | 1,124 | 4,510 | 5,634 |
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