Is Elizabethton or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elizabethton is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 49/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,708 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 51% lower. Elizabethton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Elizabethton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 14.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Elizabethton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elizabethton, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elizabethton | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,707.9 | 3,461.6 | -1,753.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 147.6 | 740.3 | -592.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 11.0 | -11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 7.0 | 64.9 | -57.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.0 | 81.8 | -74.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 133.5 | 582.7 | -449.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,560.3 | 2,721.3 | -1,161.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.5 | 328.8 | -195.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,349.5 | 2,013.9 | -664.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 77.3 | 378.6 | -301.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabethton or Knoxville safer?
Elizabethton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,708 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elizabethton has a violent crime rate of 147.6 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Elizabethton has lower violent crime.
About Elizabethton, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Elizabethton is home to Sycamore Shoals, site of the first independent government in North America. This historic city in Carter County has a population of around 14,000. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 14,228, Elizabethton has a total crime rate of 1,707.9 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.