Is Memphis or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oakland is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 89/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 580 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 94% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Oakland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 55.6x 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
Oakland — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
Oakland, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 580.5 | +8,826.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 72.6 | +2,435.4 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 9.1 | +31.5 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 0.0 | +70.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 0.0 | +348.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 63.5 | +1,978.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 507.9 | +6,391.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 45.4 | +870.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 380.9 | +4,018.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 81.6 | +1,502.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Oakland safer?
Oakland is safer with a total crime rate of 580 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 94% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while Oakland has 72.6. 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, TN
Oakland, Tennessee, a town in Fayette County, was settled in the early 19th century and named for its oak trees. It has seen significant population growth in recent decades, evolving from a rural community to a suburban one. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 11,026, Oakland has a total crime rate of 580.5 per 100,000 residents.