Knox County Crime & Safety

Knox County, Tennessee

Safety Score

11/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2662.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

476.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2186.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

11/100

Higher = safer

State avg 36/100

State Safety Rank

#82

of 95 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Knox County, Tennessee

Urban Challenges in Knox County

Knox County faces more challenges with a safety score of 95.8. Its total crime rate of 2,662.8 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Below the State Average

The county sits below the Tennessee average safety score of 97.2. As an urban hub, it experiences higher crime frequency than the state's more rural districts.

Knoxville's Regional Impact

Knox County has a crime rate nearly double that of neighboring Jefferson County. The higher density of Knoxville contributes to these elevated incident counts.

Property and Violent Crime Data

Property crimes reach 2,186.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 476.7. Residents should be aware that both categories are higher here than national benchmarks.

Priority for Urban Security

Investing in a comprehensive home security system is recommended for urban residents. Joining a local neighborhood watch program helps coordinate safety efforts with police.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Knox County, TN?

Knox County has a total crime rate of 2662.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (476.7 per 100K) and property crimes (2186.1 per 100K).

Is Knox County, TN safe?

Knox County has a safety score of 11/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #82 out of 95 counties in Tennessee for safety (1 = safest).

How does Knox County crime compare to the Tennessee average?

The county sits below the Tennessee average safety score of 97.2. As an urban hub, it experiences higher crime frequency than the state's more rural districts.

What types of crime are most common in Knox County?

Property crimes reach 2,186.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 476.7. Residents should be aware that both categories are higher here than national benchmarks.

How is crime data measured and reported for Knox County?

Crime data for Knox 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 Knox County?

Knox County has a safety score of 11/100, 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.