Is Memphis or Murfreesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murfreesboro is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 29/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,443 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 74% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Murfreesboro has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Murfreesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | Murfreesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 2,443.4 | +6,963.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 421.2 | +2,086.8 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 3.0 | +37.7 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 51.9 | +18.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 29.5 | +319.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 335.7 | +1,706.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 2,022.2 | +4,876.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 163.4 | +752.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 1,658.8 | +2,740.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 200.0 | +1,383.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Murfreesboro safer?
Murfreesboro is safer with a total crime rate of 2,443 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while Murfreesboro has 421.2. Murfreesboro has lower violent crime.
About Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, once the state capital, is a rapidly growing city in Rutherford County. Situated in the heart of Middle Tennessee, it's home to over 150,000 residents and Middle Tennessee State University. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 169,520, Murfreesboro has a total crime rate of 2,443.4 per 100,000 residents.