Is Athens or Nashville Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athens is safer than Nashville Metro (Safety Score 7/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,288 per 100,000 versus 5,634 for Nashville Metro — 24% lower. Athens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Athens has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Nashville Metro is 46.8x 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
Nashville Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, TN
Nashville Metro, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Nashville Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,287.9 | 5,633.6 | -1,345.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 622.1 | 1,124.1 | -501.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 14.6 | -7.9 |
| Rape Rate | 33.5 | 72.0 | -38.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.8 | 154.9 | -108.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.2 | 882.6 | -347.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,665.8 | 4,509.5 | -843.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 434.8 | 442.5 | -7.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,930.0 | 3,344.4 | -414.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 301.0 | 722.6 | -421.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Nashville Metro safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 4,288 per 100K vs 5,634 for Nashville Metro — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 622.1 per 100K while Nashville Metro has 1,124.1. 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 Nashville Metro, TN
Nashville Metro, the "Music City," is home to the Grand Ole Opry and a growing population of over 700,000 across Davidson County. Situated on the Cumberland River, it serves as a major transportation hub and cultural center in Middle Tennessee. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 698,987, Nashville Metro has a total crime rate of 5,633.6 per 100,000 residents.