Is Knoxville or Nashville Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Nashville Metro (Safety Score 13/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 5,634 for Nashville Metro — 39% lower. Knoxville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Knoxville has a 47% lower rate.
Note: Nashville Metro 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.
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Nashville Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Nashville Metro, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Nashville Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 5,633.6 | -2,172.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 1,124.1 | -383.8 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 14.6 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 72.0 | -7.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 154.9 | -73.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 882.6 | -299.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 4,509.5 | -1,788.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 442.5 | -113.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 3,344.4 | -1,330.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 722.6 | -344.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Nashville Metro safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 5,634 for Nashville Metro — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Nashville Metro has 1,124.1. Knoxville 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 Nashville Metro, TN
Nashville Metro, the "Music City," is home to the Grand Ole Opry and a growing population of over 700,000 across Davidson County. Situated on the Cumberland River, it serves as a major transportation hub and cultural center in Middle Tennessee. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 698,987, Nashville Metro has a total crime rate of 5,633.6 per 100,000 residents.