C
19%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
4%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
22%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSweetwater/100k peopleTennessee/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime115n/a (estimate)1,7172,6242,119
Murder1n/a14.97.95.0
Rape1n/a14.937.437.5
Robbery1n/a14.958.460.6
Assault20n/a298.7488.6256.1
Violent crime23n/a (estimate)343592359
Burglary12n/a179.2251.8229.2
Theft76n/a1,135.01,443.61,272.1
Vehicle theft4n/a59.7336.7258.8
Property crime92n/a (estimate)1,3742,0321,760

Sweetwater crime map

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The Sweetwater crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sweetwater as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Sweetwater crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sweetwater crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Sweetwater, TN

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Sweetwater crime rate is lower than the national average by 19%. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes in Sweetwater, equivalent to 343 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 4.4%. Furthermore, Sweetwater recorded 92 property crimes, amounting to 1374 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 21.9%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Sweetwater has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 343 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Sweetwater ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Sweetwater, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 15 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sweetwater?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Sweetwater residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 8 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 63% of Sweetwater 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, 38% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Sweetwater a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Sweetwater, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Sweetwater presents a total crime rate that is 19% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Sweetwater experiences an average of 0.32 daily crimes, comprising 0.06 violent incidents and 0.25 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Sweetwater Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Sweetwater has decreased by 45.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Sweetwater, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 43.9%, while property crime has decreased by 45.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Sweetwater is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sweetwater

Sweetwater has a poverty rate of 16.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In Sweetwater, the cost of living is 18.4% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Sweetwater, the average rental rates are $818 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Sweetwater, TN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sweetwater crime rates are 19% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sweetwater are 4% lower than the national average
      • In Sweetwater you have a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sweetwater is safer than 29% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sweetwater has decreased by 21%

      Sweetwater, TN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sweetwater

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Sweetwater?
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        See all Sweetwater poll results

        Daily Crime In Sweetwater (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Sweetwater, TN per 100,000 people. In Sweetwater, the total number of daily crimes is 1.53 times less than the Tennessee average and 1.23 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Sweetwater is 1.72 times less than the Tennessee average and 1.05 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Sweetwater has a daily crime rate that is 1.48 times less than the Tennessee average and 1.28 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Sweetwater (higher is better)

        Is Sweetwater safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Tennessee as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Sweetwater to other cities in the state and across the country, Sweetwater is 43% safer than other cities of Tennessee and 29% safer than other cities in the nation. Sweetwater has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sweetwater

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sweetwater is 1 in 292
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sweetwater is 1 in 73
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sweetwater is 1 in 59
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Sweetwater, Tennessee? If you reside in Sweetwater, then there is a 1 in 292 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 73. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 59 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Sweetwater.

        Year Over Year Crime In Sweetwater (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Sweetwater is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Sweetwater violent crime rates have decreased by 34%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 16% year over year. Total crimes for Sweetwater has decreased by 21% in the same time frame.

        Sweetwater police department

        Item Sweetwater Tennessee National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2011,551558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.43.63.3
        There are a total of 20 Sweetwater police officers. This results in 3.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.9% less than the Tennessee average and 4.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Tennessee

        State Total offenders Tennessee /100K National /100K
        Tennessee24,578412266
        There are a total of 24,578 sex offenders in Tennessee. This yields a total of 412 sex offenders in Tennessee per 100,000 residents which is 55% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Englewood, TN1,54463444507
        Loudon, TN6,040160538698
        Tellico Village, TN5,438193661853
        Lenoir City, TN9,4203481,6031,951
        Vonore, TN1,9875901,5942,184
        Madisonville, TN5,1043722,2122,584
        Riceville, TN7866052,0762,681
        Sweetwater, TN6,1253431,3741,717

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Columbia, MS6,1252121,3741,585
        Gateway, AK6,1264661,1001,566
        Stratmoor, CO6,1264902,6703,160
        Darlington, SC6,1231,1315,8877,018
        Countryside, IL6,1271482,4572,606
        Sweetwater, TN6,1253431,3741,717
        Source: The Sweetwater, TN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.