The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Tennessee


The most dangerous places in Tennessee are Memphis and Dyersburg for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Tennessee research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Tennessee.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 98 Tennessee cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Tennessee is Memphis based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Tennessee is 2,420 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Tennessee is 7,165 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Tennessee is Signal Mountain.

  • Tennessee is the 5th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Tennessee Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


You may think the most dangerous places in Tennessee’s include big cities like Nashville and Knoxville. However, according to the data, the most dangerous places reside outside Tennessee’s biggest cities.

We used Saturday Night Science to compare the FBI’s latest crime report for violent crime and property crime rates for every place with over 5,000 residents. We analyzed the crime rates for 98 Tennessee cities.

We’re not talking about speeding through Jackson or hopping the fence at Graceland; we’re talking about the crime that gets you put in jail.

So, grab a hot chicken and some Tennessee whiskey and review the following research.

What’s the most dangerous city in Tennessee? The most dangerous city in Tennessee is Memphis.

Although the state has 375 law enforcement agencies employing close to 16,000 police officers, they can only be in so many places. Areas around bigger cities like Chattanooga and Memphis are starting to feel the effects.

For more Tennessee reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Tennessee For 2024

Memphis, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Thomas R Machnitzki | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 624,944
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,420 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 7,165 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 269
More on Memphis: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Memphis is Tennessee’s 2nd biggest city, but in terms of crime, it takes the #1 spot. The violent crime rate is especially bad in Memphis, outstripping the national average by over 400% and ranking as the highest in the state.

Elvis Presley is probably rolling over in his grave at the state of things in Memphis. The city had 269 murders in 2022, the fourth highest murder rate statewide. Overall, residents had a 1 in 41 chance of being the victim of a property crime.

And the bad news keeps on coming — Memphis had the second highest burglary rate in Tennessee and experienced 10,924 car thefts over 2022. Overall, the city averaged over ten property crimes per day.

Not to mention that Memphis had the highest rate of arson cases on this list by a very wide margin, averaging almost one per day.

Dyersburg, TN

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 15,988
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,144 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,010 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Dyersburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Dyersburg motto is the Gateway to Everywhere, but unfortunately, that includes being the gateway to staggeringly high crime rates.

It’s a good idea to triple check that you’ve locked your doors if you’re heading to one of Dyersburg city parks, seeing as the city had the highest burglary rates in Tennessee.

And it’s not just property crime going down in Dyersburg, either. The city had the sixth highest violent crime rate in the state, including the fifth highest murder rate.

Chattanooga, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Imilious~commonswiki | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 182,603
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,137 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,221 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 24
More on Chattanooga: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Chattanooga might look like a peaceful city from the vistas afforded at Lookout Mountain, but down on the streets, crime is all too common.

Violent crime is pretty bad across the board, with Chattanooga reporting 166 rapes and 24 murders in 2022, the fourth highest and 14th highest rates statewide, respectively.

You’ll also want to make sure you lock your car doors wherever you go in Chattanooga because with 1,360 car thefts recorded over the year, stolen cars are more common here than in the bigger cities of Memphis and Nashville.

Athens, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Brian Stansberry | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 14,409
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 791 (15th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,572 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Athens: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The county seat of McMinn County in eastern Tennessee, Athens’ nickname of “The Friendly City” is belied by the crime situation.

Folks in Athens faced a 1 in 17 shot being the victim of a property crime in 2022, representing the third highest rate in Tennessee.

In fact, Athens’ property crime rate is more than three times higher than the national average. We just hope nobody’s planning a heist on the local Living Heritage Museum.

On the bright side, Athens is the least violent place on this list and didn’t have a single murder in 2022.

Nashville, TN

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 679,562
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,102 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,824 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 83
More on Nashville: Data | Cost Of Living

We’re wrapping up our tour of Tennessee’s most dangerous places with its capital and biggest city, Nashville.

People come from far and wide to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame or see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, but tourists would be well-advised to keep their guard up in Nashville.

That’s because folks faced a 1 in 90 shot at being the victim of an assault, robbery, rape, or murder in 2022.

The silver lining is that property crime in Nashville is far lower than most places on the list, but try telling that to one of the 2,987 people who had their cars stolen in Nashville last year.

Union City, TN

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 10,996
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 863 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,056 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Union City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Union City has its intellectual side. The community provides the home of Discovery Park of America, a wide-ranging museum, with exhibits as diverse as dinosaurs and NASCAR. The area also has its natural wonders. Located in a rural part of northwest Tennessee, a short drive will take you to Reelfoot Lake State Park.

However, not everything in town revolves around museum exhibits and strolls by a lake. There’s a dark side as well. Union City represents the number 6 most dangerous spot in Tennessee, including a frighteningly high rate of sexual assaults.

Rockwood, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Brian Stansberry | CC BY 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 5,571
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 735 (18th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,613 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Rockwood: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Nestled in Roane County, Rockwood, Tennessee, is unfortunately known for its high crime rates. As of 2024, the city ranks as the seventh most dangerous place to live within the state. With a population of 5,571, it has an alarming violent crime rate of 735/100k, placing it at the 18th highest position statewide for violent crime.

Rockwood is situated at the base of Walden Ridge, where the Eastern and Central Time Zones intersect. The city’s boundaries stretch from the Watts Bar Lake impoundment of the Tennessee River to U.S. Route 70.

Pigeon Forge, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Edward C. Denny | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 6,340
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 820 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,943 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Pigeon Forge: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Pigeon Forge, ranked as the eighth most dangerous place to live in Tennessee, has experienced concerning crime statistics. With a population of 6,340, this mountain resort city in Sevier County has seen a notable crime rate that contributes to its reputation for being dangerous. In particular, Pigeon Forge reported 52 incidents of violent crime. Additionally, property crimes are prevalent in the area, with 250 reported cases.

Despite these challenges, it’s important to approach the topic with a neutral perspective and acknowledge that Pigeon Forge can improve its safety record with dedicated efforts. Located just 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over. By prioritizing community safety and implementing proactive measures, such as enhanced law enforcement and community outreach programs, Pigeon Forge can create a safer environment for residents and tourists alike.

Millington, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Thomas R Machnitzki | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 10,461
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 745 (17th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,100 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Millington: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

A part of the Memphis metro area, Millington ranks as the ninth least safe in Tennessee.

The violent crime rate is above average as a whole, but a 74th highest place ranking in murder rate is the really spooky part about Millington. Be sure to buddy up for walks in Meeman-Shelby Forest, or you might become the protagonist of a horror movie.

Regardless of where you’re going, lock your doors in Millington because the city had the third highest burglary rate in Tennessee in 2022.

Kingsport, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Tjntri | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 55,799
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 786 (16th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,069 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Kingsport: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located in Sullivan and Hawkins counties, Kingsport, Tennessee, you’ll find the city along the Holston River. However, despite its location and rich historical background, Kingsport has earned a less-than-desirable reputation for safety by 2024.

With a population of 55,799, Kingsport holds the tenth rank as the most dangerous place to live in Tennessee. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 786/100k, ranking it as the 16th highest in the state. Property crime, too, is alarmingly high at 4,069/100k, making Kingsport the eighth highest city for property crime in Tennessee.

Crime By City In Tennessee

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Memphis 624,944 9,586 2,420 7,165 269
2 Dyersburg 15,988 6,154 1,144 5,010 4
3 Chattanooga 182,603 6,358 1,137 5,221 24
4 Athens 14,409 6,364 791 5,572 0
5 Nashville 679,562 4,926 1,102 3,824 83
6 Union City 10,996 4,919 863 4,056 0
7 Rockwood 5,571 5,349 735 4,613 0
8 Pigeon Forge 6,340 4,763 820 3,943 0
9 Millington 10,461 4,846 745 4,100 0
10 Kingsport 55,799 4,856 786 4,069 2
11 Knoxville 194,724 4,749 842 3,907 32
12 Fayetteville 6,942 4,134 1,224 2,909 3
13 Ripley 7,772 4,747 2,032 2,714 4
14 Jackson 68,059 3,798 899 2,898 9
15 Brownsville 9,578 3,633 1,252 2,380 2
16 Morristown 30,988 4,401 719 3,682 0
17 Crossville 12,487 4,204 696 3,507 1
18 Sevierville 19,021 4,368 657 3,711 2
19 Cleveland 48,579 4,121 724 3,396 1
20 Savannah 7,207 4,329 541 3,787 0
21 Newport 6,972 6,138 444 5,694 0
22 Dickson 16,154 3,107 730 2,377 1
23 Winchester 9,703 3,205 577 2,628 0
24 Madisonville 5,118 3,634 508 3,126 0
25 Manchester 13,045 3,050 544 2,506 0
26 Covington 8,582 3,041 1,072 1,969 2
27 Bolivar 5,127 3,627 1,911 1,716 3
28 Pulaski 8,240 3,470 449 3,021 1
29 Humboldt 7,831 2,771 944 1,826 0
30 East Ridge 21,790 2,794 605 2,189 1
31 Sweetwater 6,345 2,805 520 2,285 1
32 Bristol 27,862 2,799 502 2,297 0
33 Columbia 44,852 2,778 682 2,095 2
34 Johnson City 71,987 3,793 375 3,418 3
35 Ashland City 5,152 2,969 446 2,523 0
36 Milan 8,167 2,754 502 2,252 0
37 Clinton 10,050 2,786 477 2,308 0
38 Shelbyville 24,160 2,566 562 2,003 2
39 Greeneville 15,556 3,445 353 3,092 2
40 Murfreesboro 161,810 2,621 511 2,110 9
41 Lewisburg 12,659 2,543 529 2,014 1
42 McMinnville 13,952 2,702 501 2,200 0
43 Tullahoma 20,948 2,706 501 2,205 2
44 Lenoir City 10,597 2,783 386 2,396 0
45 Martin 10,562 2,736 454 2,281 1
46 Lafayette 5,650 3,168 336 2,831 0
47 Paris 10,371 2,979 356 2,622 1
48 Lawrenceburg 11,874 2,694 404 2,290 0
49 Clarksville 174,738 2,497 498 1,998 11
50 Smithville 5,242 2,556 381 2,174 1

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Tennessee for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Tennessee. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Tennessee, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Tennessee.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Tennessee cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 98 cities in Tennessee.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 98 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Tennessee — Memphis. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Tennessee and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Tennessee FAQs

Yes, Tennessee is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #5 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Tennessee ranks third most dangerous in the United States — 81.91% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Volunteer State ranks tenth most dangerous in the United States — 27.55% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Memphis is a dangerous city. Memphis ranks as the #2 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Memphis might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Windyke-Southwind is the safest in Memphis, while Downtown is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Memphis ranks highest in America — 337.36% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks third highest in the United States — 162.61% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Tennessee

Most Dangerous Cities In Tennessee Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Tennessee

So what is the most dangerous city in Tennessee? After analyzing 98 cities in Tennessee, Memphis takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Tennessee based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Memphis ranks as the most dangerous city in Tennessee for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Tennessee are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Memphis and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What’s the most dangerous city in Tennessee? The most dangerous city in Tennessee is Memphis.

Although the state has 375 law enforcement agencies employing close to 16,000 police officers, they can only be in so many places. Areas around bigger cities like Chattanooga and Memphis are starting to feel the effects.

Learn more about the safest places in Tennessee.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Tennessee:

  1. Spring Hill (Pop. 56,232)
  2. Fairview (Pop. 9,844)
  3. Brentwood (Pop. 45,581)
  4. Medina (Pop. 5,338)
  5. Kingston (Pop. 6,067)
  6. Erwin (Pop. 5,931)
  7. Oakland (Pop. 10,004)
  8. Nolensville (Pop. 16,990)
  9. Loudon (Pop. 6,479)
  10. Signal Mountain (Pop. 8,824)

For more Tennessee reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

17 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Tennessee

  1. Pigeon Forge is 10th on the list and Sevierville is 37th? They are literally 5 minutes apart. You can drive from Pigeon Forge into Sevierville and never know you went into a different town. You work think crime would be as bad in Sevierville as well. Makes me wonder how accurate this is.

    1. That’s because of the crime reporting. Each agency must submit their crimes in numbers. If one under reports, then that would make the difference. You have 2 separate agencies in those two towns, one is reporting the other is under reporting.

  2. I think the person giving the review on Memphis is one of the people they’re talking about. So much hate in those words. They must’ve lived in a bad area.

  3. Athens is an infection and it keeps drawing its victims back to it. If you’re from here, the best thing to do is move more than 100 miles out. Don’t let it infect you anymore. Move states if you have to. The police are garbage and the high school in it is awful.

  4. this is a lie Chattanooga might have at least one crime happen but that doesn’t make it dangerous i would know i live there

  5. Not surprised to see Dyersburg in top 10 but as usual, our mayor is in denial and says someone is not doing those durn ole statistics right! Dyersburg has consistently been in the top 10 of most dangerous cities in Tennessee for over 10 years in various surveys. Will never get this improved until the leadership is changed.

  6. I’m surprised that Dyersburg..aka..”Dirtyburg” isn’t ranked #1 in the state. So many unsolved murders, and the powers to be in this County/City are OK with it…best way to clean things up is to vote to the problems OUT of office!

  7. Curious as to how you could determine what the “safest” cities to live in are. I can think of some towns that are the “county seat” of the various counties of TN, and yet these cities are not even listed among those ranked. Also, Nashville data includes the entire county, or “Metro Nashville” area. Some of the suburb or “satellite cities” of Nashville would therefore be included in the data, which I would think might “skew” your rankings. Memphis does not include all of Shelby County. Still, I love that someone is trying to “tally” totals to give the public more information. Thanks!

  8. Knoxville is the worst place homelessness are all over in the Knoxville. Their system are broken I’ve live there for 21 years now I moved to Morristown. I will not miss Knoxville. People work for the government they do not help deaf survivors in Knoxville. So much hates and discrimination and broke ADA laws. People do not care

  9. I don’t see how Newport makes this list. There is nowhere in Newport or Cocke County that I wouldn’t feel safe walking at any time of the day or night (and I am a middle aged woman). Knoxville isn’t on the list and there’s violent crimes there daily.

  10. Chattanooga should have never made this list. I have lived here all my life. I feel safer in Chattanooga than any other big city in TN and I have worked in all of them.

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