Putnam County Crime & Safety

Putnam County, Tennessee

Safety Score

19/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2109.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

247.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1862.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

19/100

Higher = safer

State avg 36/100

State Safety Rank

#75

of 95 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Putnam County, Tennessee

Putnam County tracks below national crime rates

Putnam County has a total crime rate of 2,109.6 per 100,000 residents, which is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 96.7. Six reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a reliable overview of local safety.

A higher volume of crime than state averages

While safer than the nation, Putnam's safety score of 96.7 is lower than the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 2,109.6 also exceeds the state average of 1,785.6. Local law enforcement is busier than the average Tennessee department.

Higher incident rates than nearby counties

Putnam County reports 2,109.6 crimes per 100,000, which is higher than Morgan County (833.2) and Overton County (1,386.4). As a regional hub, it naturally experiences more activity than its more rural neighbors. This makes it one of the more active areas in its part of the state.

High property crime with low violent crime

Property crime sits at 1,862.6 per 100,000, while violent crime is relatively low at 247.0. The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents are far more likely to experience a property theft than a personal safety threat.

Prioritize property security measures

With property crime as the leading issue, visible security deterrents like cameras and alarms are very effective. Keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles can help reduce the local rate of opportunistic theft. Active community participation in safety programs keeps the neighborhood secure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Putnam County, TN?

Putnam County has a total crime rate of 2109.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (247.0 per 100K) and property crimes (1862.6 per 100K).

Is Putnam County, TN safe?

Putnam County has a safety score of 19/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #75 out of 95 counties in Tennessee for safety (1 = safest).

How does Putnam County crime compare to the Tennessee average?

What types of crime are most common in Putnam County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Putnam County?

Crime data for Putnam 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 Putnam County?

Putnam County has a safety score of 19/100, 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.