Is Memphis or Smyrna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Smyrna is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 25/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,665 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 72% lower. Memphis has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Smyrna has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Memphis is 10.4x 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
Smyrna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis, TN
Smyrna, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Memphis | Smyrna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,406.9 | 2,665.4 | +6,741.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2,508.0 | 279.0 | +2,229.0 |
| Murder Rate | 40.6 | 1.7 | +38.9 |
| Rape Rate | 70.0 | 28.9 | +41.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 348.7 | 34.0 | +314.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 2,042.1 | 214.3 | +1,827.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,899.0 | 2,386.4 | +4,512.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 915.8 | 165.0 | +750.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,399.5 | 1,867.6 | +2,531.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,583.6 | 353.8 | +1,229.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Smyrna safer?
Smyrna is safer with a total crime rate of 2,665 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Memphis has a violent crime rate of 2,508.0 per 100K while Smyrna has 279.0. Smyrna 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 Smyrna, TN
Smyrna, a rapidly growing town in Rutherford County, is home to a Nissan manufacturing plant, a significant local employer. Historically a railroad town, its population has surged, nearing 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 58,791, Smyrna has a total crime rate of 2,665.4 per 100,000 residents.