Is Cleveland or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cleveland is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 22/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,837 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 70% lower. Cleveland has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cleveland has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 12.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, TN
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,837.4 | 9,406.9 | -6,569.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 452.7 | 2,508.0 | -2,055.3 |
| Murder Rate | 4.0 | 40.6 | -36.6 |
| Rape Rate | 18.2 | 70.0 | -51.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.7 | 348.7 | -286.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 367.8 | 2,042.1 | -1,674.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,384.7 | 6,899.0 | -4,514.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 272.8 | 915.8 | -643.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,962.3 | 4,399.5 | -2,437.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 149.6 | 1,583.6 | -1,434.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Memphis safer?
Cleveland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,837 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 452.7 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. Cleveland has lower violent crime.
About Cleveland, TN
Cleveland, Tennessee, a city named for Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, sits in Bradley County at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It's home to Lee University, a prominent Church of God institution. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 49,482, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 2,837.4 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.