Is Memphis or Shelbyville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelbyville is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 32/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,343 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 75% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Shelbyville has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 23.9x 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
Shelbyville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | Shelbyville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 2,342.6 | +7,064.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 432.7 | +2,075.3 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 3.9 | +36.7 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 50.7 | +19.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 11.7 | +337.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 366.4 | +1,675.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 1,910.0 | +4,989.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 175.4 | +740.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 1,563.1 | +2,836.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 171.5 | +1,412.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Shelbyville safer?
Shelbyville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,343 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while Shelbyville has 432.7. Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville, TN
Shelbyville, the "Walking Horse Capital of the World," is a charming city in Bedford County. Situated in Middle Tennessee, it boasts a population of around 23,000 residents. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 25,655, Shelbyville has a total crime rate of 2,342.6 per 100,000 residents.