Is Franklin or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Franklin is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 71/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,076 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 69% lower. Franklin has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Franklin has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Franklin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Franklin, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Franklin | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,075.8 | 3,461.6 | -2,385.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 133.2 | 740.3 | -607.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.1 | 11.0 | -9.9 |
| Rape Rate | 13.3 | 64.9 | -51.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.7 | 81.8 | -75.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 111.0 | 582.7 | -471.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 942.5 | 2,721.3 | -1,778.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 40.0 | 328.8 | -288.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 829.3 | 2,013.9 | -1,184.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 73.3 | 378.6 | -305.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franklin or Knoxville safer?
Franklin is safer with a total crime rate of 1,076 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 133.2 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Franklin has lower violent crime.
About Franklin, TN
Franklin, Tennessee, a city south of Nashville, is known for its well-preserved historic downtown and role in the Civil War's Battle of Franklin. This Williamson County seat boasts a rapidly growing, affluent population. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 90,077, Franklin has a total crime rate of 1,075.8 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.