Is Knoxville or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oakland is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 89/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 580 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 83% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Oakland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 18.2x 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
Oakland — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Oakland, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 580.5 | +2,881.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 72.6 | +667.8 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 9.1 | +1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 0.0 | +64.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 0.0 | +81.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 63.5 | +519.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 507.9 | +2,213.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 45.4 | +283.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 380.9 | +1,633.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 81.6 | +297.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Oakland safer?
Oakland is safer with a total crime rate of 580 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Oakland has 72.6. Oakland 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 Oakland, TN
Oakland, Tennessee, a town in Fayette County, was settled in the early 19th century and named for its oak trees. It has seen significant population growth in recent decades, evolving from a rural community to a suburban one. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 11,026, Oakland has a total crime rate of 580.5 per 100,000 residents.