Is Memphis or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Oakland is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 1/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 9,156 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 3% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oakland has a 54% lower rate.
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
Oakland, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 9,155.7 | +251.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 1,925.3 | +582.6 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 18.6 | +22.0 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 68.0 | +1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 680.4 | -331.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 1,158.3 | +883.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 7,230.3 | -331.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 786.8 | +129.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 4,164.7 | +234.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 2,278.9 | -695.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Oakland safer?
Oakland is safer with a total crime rate of 9,156 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while Oakland has 1,925.3. Oakland 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 Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 per 100,000 residents.