Is Kingsport or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kingsport is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 14/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 3,404 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 2% lower. Kingsport has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kingsport has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 3.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kingsport — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kingsport, TN
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kingsport | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,404.0 | 3,461.6 | -57.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 444.5 | 740.3 | -295.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 11.0 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 47.3 | 64.9 | -17.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 36.8 | 81.8 | -45.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 353.5 | 582.7 | -229.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,959.5 | 2,721.3 | +238.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 315.0 | 328.8 | -13.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,341.7 | 2,013.9 | +327.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 302.8 | 378.6 | -75.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingsport or Knoxville safer?
Kingsport is safer with a total crime rate of 3,404 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kingsport has a violent crime rate of 444.5 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Kingsport has lower violent crime.
About Kingsport, TN
Kingsport, TN, a planned city established in 1917, is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains at the crossroads of three states. It's home to Eastman Chemical Company, a major global manufacturer, influencing its industrial character and employment. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 57,138, Kingsport has a total crime rate of 3,404.0 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.