Is Kingsport or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kingsport is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 14/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,404 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 64% lower. Kingsport has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kingsport has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 10.7x 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
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kingsport, TN
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kingsport | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,404.0 | 9,406.9 | -6,002.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 444.5 | 2,508.0 | -2,063.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 40.6 | -37.1 |
| Rape Rate | 47.3 | 70.0 | -22.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 36.8 | 348.7 | -311.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 353.5 | 2,042.1 | -1,688.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,959.5 | 6,899.0 | -3,939.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 315.0 | 915.8 | -600.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,341.7 | 4,399.5 | -2,057.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 302.8 | 1,583.6 | -1,280.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingsport or Memphis safer?
Kingsport is safer with a total crime rate of 3,404 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kingsport has a violent crime rate of 444.5 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. 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 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.