Is Gainesville or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gainesville is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 14/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 3,448 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 0% lower. Gainesville has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gainesville has a 57% lower rate.
Gainesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gainesville, FL
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gainesville | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,447.8 | 3,461.6 | -13.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 744.1 | 740.3 | +3.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 11.0 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 85.7 | 64.9 | +20.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 133.3 | 81.8 | +51.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 582.7 | -68.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,703.7 | 2,721.3 | -17.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 307.4 | 328.8 | -21.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,292.9 | 2,013.9 | +279.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.4 | 378.6 | -275.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or Knoxville safer?
Gainesville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,448 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gainesville has a violent crime rate of 744.1 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Knoxville has lower violent crime.
About Gainesville, FL
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a central North Florida city. Its humid subtropical climate supports a diverse population of over 140,000 residents. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 147,022, Gainesville has a total crime rate of 3,447.8 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.