Is Knoxville or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 13/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 34% lower. Knoxville has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Knoxville has a 41% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 7.6x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 5,219.0 | -1,757.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 595.3 | +145.0 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 8.4 | +2.6 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 83.7 | -18.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 108.4 | -26.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 393.7 | +188.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 4,623.6 | -1,902.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 495.6 | -166.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 3,291.8 | -1,277.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 836.3 | -457.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or San Antonio safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.