Is Cookeville or Nashville Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cookeville is safer than Nashville Metro (Safety Score 42/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100,000 versus 5,634 for Nashville Metro — 65% 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: Nashville Metro is 18.8x 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
Nashville Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cookeville, TN
Nashville Metro, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cookeville | Nashville Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,957.2 | 5,633.6 | -3,676.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 295.3 | 1,124.1 | -828.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 14.6 | -14.6 |
| Rape Rate | 56.4 | 72.0 | -15.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.1 | 154.9 | -146.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 228.2 | 882.6 | -654.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,661.8 | 4,509.5 | -2,847.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 171.8 | 442.5 | -270.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,353.1 | 3,344.4 | -1,991.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 136.9 | 722.6 | -585.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cookeville or Nashville Metro safer?
Cookeville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100K vs 5,634 for Nashville Metro — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cookeville has a violent crime rate of 295.3 per 100K while Nashville Metro has 1,124.1. 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 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.