Sweetwater, TN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sweetwater, TN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Sweetwater crime rate is 20.7% 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 Sweetwater, there were 33 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 520 per 100,000 individuals, 40.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Sweetwater recorded 145 property crimes, amounting to 2285 per 100,000 residents, 16.9% higher than the U.S. average.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Sweetwater has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Sweetwater, which is 16 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sweetwater?

AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Sweetwater to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in Sweetwater and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Sweetwater a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Sweetwater a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Sweetwater crime rate is 21% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.49 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 0.4 property crimes.

Has Crime in Sweetwater Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sweetwater. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sweetwater has decreased by 15.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 19.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 14.7%. 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.

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.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Sweetwater crime rates. Sweetwater registers a population density of 667 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sweetwater, 72.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Sweetwater crime map