Is Knoxville or Smyrna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Smyrna is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 25/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,665 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 23% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Smyrna has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 3.4x 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
Smyrna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Smyrna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 2,665.4 | +796.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 279.0 | +461.4 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 1.7 | +9.3 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 28.9 | +35.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 34.0 | +47.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 214.3 | +368.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 2,386.4 | +334.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 165.0 | +163.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 1,867.6 | +146.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 353.8 | +24.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Smyrna safer?
Smyrna is safer with a total crime rate of 2,665 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Smyrna has 279.0. Smyrna 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 Smyrna, TN
Smyrna, a rapidly growing town in Rutherford County, is home to a Nissan manufacturing plant, a significant local employer. Historically a railroad town, its population has surged, nearing 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 58,791, Smyrna has a total crime rate of 2,665.4 per 100,000 residents.