Is Knoxville or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 13/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 2% lower. Knoxville has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Knoxville has a 55% lower rate.
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 3,516.3 | -54.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 336.9 | +403.4 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 24.2 | -13.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 18.6 | +46.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 94.5 | -12.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 199.7 | +382.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 3,179.4 | -458.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 265.3 | +63.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 2,386.9 | -373.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 527.2 | -148.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Richmond safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond 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 Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.