Is Memphis or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Antonio is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 45% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Antonio has a 79% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 2.5x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 5,219.0 | +4,188.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 595.3 | +1,912.6 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 8.4 | +32.2 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 83.7 | -13.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 108.4 | +240.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 393.7 | +1,648.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 4,623.6 | +2,275.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 495.6 | +420.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 3,291.8 | +1,107.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 836.3 | +747.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or San Antonio safer?
San Antonio is safer with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.