Shelby County Crime & Safety

Shelby County, Tennessee

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

7287.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

1742.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

5544.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

State avg 36/100

State Safety Rank

#95

of 95 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Shelby County, Tennessee

Shelby County Faces Significant Safety Challenges

Shelby County has a safety score of 88.5, which is lower than many other regions in the state. Its total crime rate of 7,287.4 per 100K is triple the national average of 2,385.5.

Well Below the Tennessee Safety Average

Shelby County's safety score of 88.5 trails significantly behind the state average of 97.2. Twelve reporting agencies handle a total crime rate that far exceeds the Tennessee average of 1,785.6.

A Sharp Contrast to Surrounding Counties

Shelby County reports much higher crime rates than any of the other seven counties in this report. For example, its rate is over five times higher than nearby Smith County.

High Rates of Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is a major concern at ,1742.5 per 100K, nearly five times the national rate. Property crime is also extremely high, reaching 5,544.9 per 100K residents.

Prioritize Comprehensive Home Security

Given the high crime rates, Shelby residents should utilize monitored security systems and reinforced entry points. Community involvement and reporting suspicious activity are vital for improving local safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Shelby County, TN?

Shelby County has a total crime rate of 7287.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (1742.5 per 100K) and property crimes (5544.9 per 100K).

Is Shelby County, TN safe?

Shelby 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 #95 out of 95 counties in Tennessee for safety (1 = safest).

How does Shelby County crime compare to the Tennessee average?

Shelby County's safety score of 88.5 trails significantly behind the state average of 97.2. Twelve reporting agencies handle a total crime rate that far exceeds the Tennessee average of 1,785.6.

What types of crime are most common in Shelby County?

Violent crime is a major concern at ,1742.5 per 100K, nearly five times the national rate. Property crime is also extremely high, reaching 5,544.9 per 100K residents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Shelby County?

Crime data for Shelby 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 Shelby County?

Shelby 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.