Is Knoxville or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Springfield is safer than Knoxville (Safety Score 63/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,308 per 100,000 versus 3,462 for Knoxville — 62% lower. Knoxville has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Springfield has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Knoxville is 10.2x 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
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Springfield, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 1,307.7 | +2,153.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 390.3 | +350.0 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 25.3 | -14.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 5.1 | +59.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 15.2 | +66.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 344.7 | +238.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 917.4 | +1,803.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 35.5 | +293.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 770.4 | +1,243.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 111.5 | +267.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Springfield safer?
Springfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,308 per 100K vs 3,462 for Knoxville — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Springfield has 390.3. Springfield 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 Springfield, TN
Springfield, Tennessee, rich in tobacco history, is a small city in Robertson County, part of the Nashville metropolitan area. Its downtown features a historic square and diverse local businesses. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 19,729, Springfield has a total crime rate of 1,307.7 per 100,000 residents.