Is Knoxville or Oak Ridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oak Ridge is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 54/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 55% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oak Ridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 5.9x 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
Oak Ridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Oak Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 1,567.3 | +1,894.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 290.6 | +449.7 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 0.0 | +11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 52.8 | +12.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 8.8 | +73.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 228.9 | +353.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 1,276.8 | +1,444.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 208.4 | +120.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 1,006.7 | +1,007.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 61.6 | +317.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Oak Ridge safer?
Oak Ridge is safer with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Oak Ridge has 290.6. Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Oak Ridge was a secret city vital to the Manhattan Project. Its scientific legacy endures, drawing a diverse population to this historically significant East Tennessee community. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 34,071, Oak Ridge has a total crime rate of 1,567.3 per 100,000 residents.