Is Knoxville or Shelbyville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelbyville is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 32/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,343 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 32% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Shelbyville has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 7.8x 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
Shelbyville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Shelbyville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 2,342.6 | +1,119.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 432.7 | +307.7 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 3.9 | +7.1 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 50.7 | +14.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 11.7 | +70.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 366.4 | +216.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 1,910.0 | +811.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 175.4 | +153.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 1,563.1 | +450.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 171.5 | +207.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Shelbyville safer?
Shelbyville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,343 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Shelbyville has 432.7. Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville, TN
Shelbyville, the "Walking Horse Capital of the World," is a charming city in Bedford County. Situated in Middle Tennessee, it boasts a population of around 23,000 residents. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 25,655, Shelbyville has a total crime rate of 2,342.6 per 100,000 residents.