Is Bristol or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 32/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,325 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 33% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 7.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,461.6 | -1,136.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 366.8 | 740.3 | -373.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 11.0 | -11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 32.1 | 64.9 | -32.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.4 | 81.8 | -60.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 309.8 | 582.7 | -272.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,958.6 | 2,721.3 | -762.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 309.8 | 328.8 | -18.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,509.9 | 2,013.9 | -504.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.9 | 378.6 | -239.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Knoxville safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 2,325 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 366.8 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, TN
Bristol, Tennessee, straddling the Virginia state line, is the "Birthplace of Country Music." This Appalachian town in Sullivan County is home to approximately 27,000 residents. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 28,082, Bristol has a total crime rate of 2,325.3 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.