Is Chattanooga or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Chattanooga (Safety Score 13/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for Chattanooga — 27% lower. Chattanooga has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Knoxville has a 31% lower rate.
Chattanooga — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chattanooga | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,766.7 | 3,461.6 | +1,305.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 824.3 | 740.3 | +84.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.7 | 11.0 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 91.1 | 64.9 | +26.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 93.7 | 81.8 | +11.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 626.3 | 582.7 | +43.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,942.4 | 2,721.3 | +1,221.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 379.6 | 328.8 | +50.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,896.3 | 2,013.9 | +882.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 666.5 | 378.6 | +287.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga or Knoxville safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 4,767 for Chattanooga — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chattanooga has a violent crime rate of 824.3 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Knoxville has lower violent crime.
About Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, nestled along the Tennessee River with Lookout Mountain forming part of its scenic backdrop, was a pivotal Civil War battleground. This mid-sized city boasts a diverse population exceeding 180,000 residents in its metropolitan area. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 188,894, Chattanooga has a total crime rate of 4,766.7 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.