Is Cookeville or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cookeville is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 42/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 43% lower. Cookeville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cookeville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 5.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cookeville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cookeville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cookeville | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,957.2 | 3,461.6 | -1,504.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 295.3 | 740.3 | -445.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 11.0 | -11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 56.4 | 64.9 | -8.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.1 | 81.8 | -73.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 228.2 | 582.7 | -354.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,661.8 | 2,721.3 | -1,059.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 171.8 | 328.8 | -156.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,353.1 | 2,013.9 | -660.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 136.9 | 378.6 | -241.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cookeville or Knoxville safer?
Cookeville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cookeville has a violent crime rate of 295.3 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Cookeville has lower violent crime.
About Cookeville, TN
Cookeville, Tennessee, home to Tennessee Tech University, sits on the Highland Rim. Its population of around 35,000 residents enjoys a vibrant community with historic downtown and numerous outdoor attractions. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 37,248, Cookeville has a total crime rate of 1,957.2 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.