It might come as a surprise to many that Tennessee often ranks within the top 10 most dangerous states in the US. Here are the most dangerous places to live in Tennessee.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Tennessee
- Dyersburg
- Memphis
- Chattanooga
- Nashville
- Kingsport
- Knoxville
- Crossville
- Johnson City
- Murfreesboro
- Clarksville
1. Dyersburg
The most dangerous city in Tennessee is Dyersburg, which has a population of 16,164 and a crime rate that is 244% higher than the national average. The total crime rate in Dyersburg is 8,073 per 100,000, with residents having a 1 in 13 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Violent crimes are common relative to the city’s population, with property crimes occurring at an even higher rate. In 2022, the most common types of crime were assault, theft, and burglary.
2. Memphis
Memphis is also one of the most violent cities in Tennessee. It's also the most dangerous large city in the US. Located on the far Western end of Tennessee, Memphis has a population of 633,104. The crime rate in Memphis is 7,913 per 100,000, which is a massive 237% higher than the US average. Residents have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Violent crime is a major issue in Memphis, with over 300 murders being reported in 2021. Property crimes like burglary and vehicle theft number over 5,000 on average per year.
3. Chattanooga
Chattanooga is another one of the most dangerous places in Tennessee. This city is located in Hamilton County in the Appalachian foothills and has a population of 181,100. Chattanooga’s total crime rate is 7,716 per 100,000, which is 229% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In 2021, there were 33 murders, 193 robberies, and 2,108 assaults.
4. Nashville
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, but that hasn’t stopped crime in the city. While Nashville isn’t the most dangerous city in Tennesee, it suffers from high crime rates. Nashville has a population of 689,447, and the city receives countless visitors each year who come to see the city’s iconic music venues and experience its nightlife. Nashville has a total crime rate of 5,229 per 100,000, with is 123% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 19 chance of becoming victims of any crime. Crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur even in the most popular tourist areas, while violent crime is mostly relegated to specific neighborhoods.
5. Kingsport
Kingsport is a city in Sullivan and Hawkins counties with a population of 55,442. The total crime rate in Kingsport is 5,157 per 100,000, which is 120% higher than the US average. Residents in Kingsport have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. In 2021, there were 413 violent crimes and 2,102 violent crimes reported.
6. Knoxville
Knoxville is Tennessee’s third-largest city, with a population of 190,740. The total crime rate in Knoxville is 5,038 per 100,000 which is 115% higher than the national average. In 2021, there were 1,595 violent crimes and 7,850 property crimes reported in the city. Crimes like assault, burglary, and vehicle theft were the most common types of crime.
7. Crossville
Crossville is located in Cumberland County and has a population of 12,071. The crime rate in Crossville is 4,670 per 100,000, which is 99% higher than the national average and 48% higher than the Tennessee average. Residents in Crossville have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. In 2022, there were two murders, 31 robberies, and 356 assaults.
8. Johnson City
Johnson City is located in eastern Tennessee and is plagued by high crime rates and violence. Johnson City has a population of 71,046, and the total crime rate in the city is 4,477 per 100,000, which is 91% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In 2021, Johnson City recorded five murders, 38 robberies, and 179 assaults. There were 2,282 property crimes reported in the same year.
9. Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro is another one of the most dangerous cities in Tennessee. It is the county seat of Rutherford County and has a population of 152,769. The total crime rate in the city is 2,973 per 100,000 which is 6% lower than the state average, but 27% higher than the national average. In 2021, there were 633 violent crimes and 3,532 property crimes recorded in the city. In the same year, there were seven murders, 53 robberies, and 453 assaults recorded.
10. Clarksville
Clarksville is located in northwestern Tennessee in Montgomery County and has a population of 166,722. The total crime rate in Clarksville is 2,853 per 100,000, which is 22% higher than the US average. Residents in Clarksville have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. In 2021, the city recorded 633 violent crimes and 3,532 property crimes. Crimes like assault, theft and burglary are the most common.
Most Dangerous Cities in Tennessee Bottom Line
Tennessee is a growing state despite having some minor issues regarding crime. Many neighborhoods in cities like Nashville are undergoing major revitalization efforts. However, in places like Memphis, violent crime and theft remains a persistent issue.