Carter County Crime & Safety

Carter County, Tennessee

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

6396.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

712.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

5684.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

State avg 36/100

State Safety Rank

#94

of 95 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Carter County, Tennessee

Carter County Faces Unique Safety Challenges

Carter County holds a safety score of 89.9, which sits below the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 6,396.2 per 100,000 residents is more than double the national average of 2,385.5.

Crime Rates Exceed State Averages

The county reports a total crime rate significantly higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. Despite these figures, local law enforcement across three reporting agencies continues to monitor and address regional safety needs.

Carter Compared to Regional Neighbors

Carter County sees more reported activity than neighbors like Cocke County, which has a total crime rate of 2,741.4. This elevated frequency of reports suggests a higher density of local incidents requiring public attention.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary driver here, reaching 5,684.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 712.1. These numbers indicate that roughly 1 in 18 residents could be affected by property-related incidents annually.

Fortify Your Home Against Property Theft

Higher property crime rates make home security systems and neighborhood watch programs vital tools for local families. Strengthening physical barriers and visibility around your home remains the best defense against theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Carter County, TN?

Carter County has a total crime rate of 6396.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (712.1 per 100K) and property crimes (5684.1 per 100K).

Is Carter County, TN safe?

Carter County has a safety score of 1/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee for safety (1 = safest).

How does Carter County crime compare to the Tennessee average?

What types of crime are most common in Carter County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Carter County?

Crime data for Carter County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Carter County?

Carter County has a safety score of 1/100, which is below the Tennessee average of 36/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.