Is Knoxville or Lebanon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lebanon is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 60/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,380 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 60% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lebanon has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 3.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lebanon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Lebanon, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Lebanon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 1,380.4 | +2,081.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 346.5 | +393.8 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 5.8 | +5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 36.8 | +28.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 9.7 | +72.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 292.3 | +290.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 1,033.8 | +1,687.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 135.5 | +193.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 803.4 | +1,210.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 94.9 | +283.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Lebanon safer?
Lebanon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,380 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Lebanon has 346.5. Lebanon has lower violent crime.
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.
About Lebanon, TN
Lebanon, TN, county seat of Wilson County, is a city of over 40,000 residents known for its annual Wilson County Fair. Situated about 30 miles east of Nashville, it serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 51,653, Lebanon has a total crime rate of 1,380.4 per 100,000 residents.