Is Athens or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Athens (Safety Score 13/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 4,288 for Athens — 19% lower. Athens has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Athens has a 43% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 13.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,287.9 | 3,461.6 | +826.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 622.1 | 740.3 | -118.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 11.0 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 33.5 | 64.9 | -31.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.8 | 81.8 | -35.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.2 | 582.7 | -47.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,665.8 | 2,721.3 | +944.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 434.8 | 328.8 | +106.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,930.0 | 2,013.9 | +916.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 301.0 | 378.6 | -77.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Knoxville safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 4,288 for Athens — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 622.1 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Athens has lower violent crime.
About Athens, TN
Athens, nestled in McMinn County, is home to Tennessee Wesleyan University, founded in 1857. This small city in East Tennessee sits amidst the Appalachian foothills, reflecting a blend of academic heritage and rural charm. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 14,949, Athens has a total crime rate of 4,287.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is a city of just under 200,000 residents. It boasts a rich musical heritage, notably as the birthplace of the Everly Brothers. The Tennessee River flows along its downtown, a reminder of its historical role in trade and industry. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 200,457, Knoxville has a total crime rate of 3,461.6 per 100,000 residents.