Is Knoxville or Murfreesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murfreesboro is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 29/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,443 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 29% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Murfreesboro has a 73% lower rate.
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Murfreesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Murfreesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 2,443.4 | +1,018.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 421.2 | +319.1 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 3.0 | +8.0 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 51.9 | +12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 29.5 | +52.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 335.7 | +247.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 2,022.2 | +699.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 163.4 | +165.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 1,658.8 | +355.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 200.0 | +178.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Murfreesboro safer?
Murfreesboro is safer with a total crime rate of 2,443 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Murfreesboro has 421.2. Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, once the state capital, is a rapidly growing city in Rutherford County. Situated in the heart of Middle Tennessee, it's home to over 150,000 residents and Middle Tennessee State University. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 169,520, Murfreesboro has a total crime rate of 2,443.4 per 100,000 residents.