Is Athens or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athens is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 7/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,288 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 54% lower. Athens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Athens has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 41.0x 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
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, TN
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,287.9 | 9,406.9 | -5,119.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 622.1 | 2,508.0 | -1,885.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 40.6 | -33.9 |
| Rape Rate | 33.5 | 70.0 | -36.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.8 | 348.7 | -301.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.2 | 2,042.1 | -1,506.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,665.8 | 6,899.0 | -3,233.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 434.8 | 915.8 | -481.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,930.0 | 4,399.5 | -1,469.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 301.0 | 1,583.6 | -1,282.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Memphis safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 4,288 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 622.1 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. 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 Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.