Is Johnson City or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnson City is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 24/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 71% lower. Johnson City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnson City has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 8.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Johnson City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Johnson City, TN
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Johnson City | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,707.4 | 9,406.9 | -6,699.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 404.9 | 2,508.0 | -2,103.1 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 40.6 | -35.2 |
| Rape Rate | 75.6 | 70.0 | +5.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 348.7 | -314.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 287.5 | 2,042.1 | -1,754.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,302.5 | 6,899.0 | -4,596.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 203.8 | 915.8 | -712.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,924.6 | 4,399.5 | -2,474.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.1 | 1,583.6 | -1,409.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnson City or Memphis safer?
Johnson City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Johnson City has a violent crime rate of 404.9 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. Johnson City has lower violent crime.
About Johnson City, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a regional hub with a vibrant downtown, home to East Tennessee State University. It's known for its role in the early country music scene. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 74,093, Johnson City has a total crime rate of 2,707.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.