Is Memphis or Oak Ridge Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oak Ridge is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 54/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 83% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oak Ridge has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 18.0x 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
Oak Ridge — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | Oak Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 1,567.3 | +7,839.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 290.6 | +2,217.4 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 0.0 | +40.6 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 52.8 | +17.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 8.8 | +339.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 228.9 | +1,813.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 1,276.8 | +5,622.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 208.4 | +707.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 1,006.7 | +3,392.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 61.6 | +1,522.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Oak Ridge safer?
Oak Ridge is safer with a total crime rate of 1,567 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while Oak Ridge has 290.6. Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Oak Ridge was a secret city vital to the Manhattan Project. Its scientific legacy endures, drawing a diverse population to this historically significant East Tennessee community. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 34,071, Oak Ridge has a total crime rate of 1,567.3 per 100,000 residents.