Is Athens or Shelbyville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athens is safer than Shelbyville (Safety Score 33/100 vs 32/100), with a total crime rate of 2,313 per 100,000 versus 2,343 for Shelbyville — 1% lower. Athens has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Athens has a 44% lower rate.
Athens — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Shelbyville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, AL
Shelbyville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Shelbyville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,312.7 | 2,342.6 | -29.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 243.4 | 432.7 | -189.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 3.9 | +2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 9.1 | 50.7 | -41.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.3 | 11.7 | +6.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 210.0 | 366.4 | -156.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,069.3 | 1,910.0 | +159.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 276.9 | 175.4 | +101.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,615.9 | 1,563.1 | +52.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 176.5 | 171.5 | +5.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Shelbyville safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 2,313 per 100K vs 2,343 for Shelbyville — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 243.4 per 100K while Shelbyville has 432.7. Athens has lower violent crime.
About Athens, AL
Athens, Alabama, settled in 1818, is the county seat of Limestone County. This North Alabama city, home to Athens State University, experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 32,862, Athens has a total crime rate of 2,312.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Shelbyville, TN
Shelbyville, the "Walking Horse Capital of the World," is a charming city in Bedford County. Situated in Middle Tennessee, it boasts a population of around 23,000 residents. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 25,655, Shelbyville has a total crime rate of 2,342.6 per 100,000 residents.