Located in the southern region of the United States, Tennessee boasts stunning landscapes that are separated by natural boundaries such as the Tennessee River, the Mississippi Delta, and the Smokey Mountains. Its diverse topography offers a unique blend of scenic beauty that is truly breathtaking.
The eastern part of the state is primarily dominated by the majestic Smokey Mountains.
The University of Tennessee, Jack Daniels whiskey, and the Tennessee Valley are all located in Knoxville, the largest city in Tennessee.
The picturesque region of Central Tennessee is renowned for its lush green rolling hills and is famously known as the birthplace of country music, Nashville.
Located in the heart of the volunteer state, the vibrant city of Chattanooga is a haven for hikers.
In the western region of the elongated state lies Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. This area is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly the deep southern blues, and is home to the iconic Graceland – the former residence of the legendary musician Elvis Presley.
Although Tennessee is a beautiful state, it has the fifth-highest overall crime rate in the United States, with a rate of 6.72 per 1000 people. Additionally, it has the third-highest violent crime rate of 73.47%.
According to statistics, the state of Tennessee has a property crime rate of 27%, which is higher than the national average in the United States.
Last year, there was a significant prevalence of crimes against individuals such as homicide, kidnapping, and trafficking.
There was a significant increase in property crimes such as theft, auto theft, and extortion in numerous cities.
Although crime rates in the state are significantly high, it is important to note that it is not uniformly distributed across all areas.
Nashville, the state capital, is unfortunately known for opportunistic crimes due to the high number of tourists visiting the city. In contrast, Chattanooga’s crime rate is linked to its growth.
While Tennessee’s state average crime rate remains below the national average of 5.3 percent, Memphis stands out as one of the most perilous cities in the entire country.
10 of the Most Hazardous Cities in Tennessee
Berry Hill
It may come as a surprise, but the Berry Hill/Melrose neighbourhood in Nashville, which is quite popular among locals, has one of the highest crime rates in the state. According to the FBI, the crime index in the area is 56.2 per 1000 people.
According to statistics, the rate is significantly higher than the national average, with a staggering increase of 1217%.
South of Music City lies Berry Hill, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its diverse collection of small enterprises, recording studios, charming boutiques, and fantastic eateries.
It’s advisable to plan your visit to the area during the daytime or to be accompanied by a group if you’re going at night. This will ensure your safety and make your experience more enjoyable.
Pigeon Forge
Located in eastern Tennessee and operating on the Eastern Time Zone, Pigeon Forge is a charming destination worth exploring.
According to the Crime Index, the likelihood of encountering crime in the area is around 1 in 17, with a score of 60/1000.
It’s surprising to learn that Pigeon Forge has one of the highest crime rates in America, even when compared to cities of similar size.
According to recent statistics, the recreational area has been experiencing a remarkable growth rate of almost 20%, which is considerably higher than the state’s growth rate of 13.40%.
Despite the USA’s impressive average growth rate of 11.6%, it is disheartening to note that the median household income in mountainous areas remains stagnant at around $30,000.
Staying safe in Pigeon Forge is all about using common sense. It’s important to keep valuables locked up, be aware of your surroundings, and let someone know where you’re headed. By following these basic safety measures, you can enjoy your time in Pigeon Forge with peace of mind.
Memphis
The city of Memphis has its fair share of dangers.
With a crime rate of 1.90/1000, it’s no surprise that this city has earned the title of the third most dangerous city in the country. Unfortunately, this means that the chances of encountering crime are quite high, with a 1 in 40 likelihood.
The average across the country is 3.80.
According to national statistics, there has been a 12% increase in reported crimes when compared to the previous year.
In contrast, crime in Memphis experienced a significant rise of 23% in the past year, primarily attributable to an increase in the number of murders.
Surprisingly, Memphis saw a 13% increase in carjackings.
Staying safe in Memphis requires making wise decisions and using your common sense.
The city of Memphis presents a mixed picture when it comes to crime. While the east side is considered to be relatively safe, the north and south regions have higher overall crime rates. It’s a complex situation, and it’s important to be aware of the potential risks in different parts of the city.
The presence of 24-hour police patrols and a prominent police presence makes Downtown Memphis a relatively safe location.
Ripley
Located in the state of Mississippi, Ripley is a quaint town with a population of approximately 7,800 residents. It is composed of five distinctive core neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm. As the 81st largest community in the state, Ripley offers a close-knit community feel where everyone knows each other.
The small city is mainly composed of rural areas, and the median household income stands at $19,000.
Ripley is situated in the western region of Tennessee, positioned north of Memphis. The city’s crime rate stands at 49 incidents per 1,000, which translates to a probability of 1 in 57 of experiencing violent crime.
When it comes to safety in Ripley, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to protect your belongings.
The most common type of offence is assault, followed by property crimes.
Union City
Nestled in the rural northwest region of Tennessee, Union City is situated right on the border with Kentucky. If you’re a nature lover, Reelfoot Lake State Park is just a short drive away and definitely worth a visit.
Nestled in the quiet southern region, there lies a peaceful town of 10,500 people. Here, you will find the magnificent Discovery Park of America, which boasts of scenic hiking trails, a picturesque lake, and an impressive natural history museum.
According to recent statistics, there has been a slight increase in Union City’s crime rates when compared to the previous year. This rise can be attributed to a surge in personal and sexual assaults.
According to statistics, the likelihood of experiencing violent crime in Union City is 1 in 126, which is slightly higher than the state average of 1 in 148. As a visitor, it is important to be aware of these statistics and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while exploring the city.
To ensure your safety in Union City, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for your surroundings. Particularly in unfamiliar areas or during nighttime, it’s best to stick with a group of people. By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy your time in Union City with peace of mind.
Athens
Athens, also known as “The Friendly City,” is situated halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga and is home to approximately 14,000 residents who take great pride in their community.
The Living Heritage Museum has found its home here.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest are conveniently located just a short drive away.
Regrettably, inhabitants of Athens have a significantly higher likelihood of falling victim to property crime, with a 1 in 17 chance, which is three times higher than the average rate in the United States.
Based on crime statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Athens seems to be a safe place in terms of violent crime. In fact, the city experienced only a small number of assaults and zero murders in the year 2020.
Newport
It’s difficult to fathom that a tiny southern town with a population of under 7000 could be plagued with such a high rate of crime.
The town of Newport, situated in eastern Tennessee, stands out with the highest property crime rate in the state.
There are various types of incidents that occur, including crimes of opportunity, burglary, and auto theft.
Due to this alarming rate, Newport has earned the dubious distinction of having the highest crime rate in the state, which is three times higher than the national average.
Visitors to Newport Speedway, the Moonshine Distillery, or simply those enjoying the city face a 1 in 13 chance of experiencing theft.
When travelling, especially in eastern Tennessee, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. Situational awareness can help you stay safe and avoid potential dangers.
If you want to ensure your safety while in Newport, it is important to stay alert and vigilant of your surroundings. Additionally, it is essential to keep a close eye on your personal belongings to prevent theft or loss. By staying aware and taking necessary precautions, you can have a worry-free experience in Newport.
Millington
Located within the Memphis metroplex, Millington is a self-governing city with its own unique identity.
Located in Tennessee, this city is known for its affordability. With a population of around 10,700 people, it offers a comfortable living at an affordable cost.
Regrettably, Millington has a higher ranking than the state in terms of violent crime.
It’s worth mentioning that Tennessee has a significant issue with high murder and burglary rates, with the latter being the third-highest in the state.
It’s unfortunate that visitors to this historic town have a 1 in 84 chance of being a victim of crime.
It is not advisable to take a solitary walk in the nearby Meeman-Shelby Forest.
It’s always a good idea to take some basic precautions when you’re out and about, especially in unfamiliar areas. Make sure to let someone know where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone. Also, try to avoid wearing flashy or valuable jewellery that could attract unwanted attention. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure your safety while enjoying your travels.
Dyersburg
Located near the Arkansas-Tennessee border, Dyersburg is a charming and historic southern town nestled in the far northeastern part of the state.
The phrase that defines it is “Gateway to Everywhere.”
It is quite surprising to note that the founders of Dyersburg did not anticipate the alarmingly high rates of crime in the city.
The charming city, with a population of around 16,600, boasts serene parks, brick structures, and streets adorned with lush trees.
According to statistics, the town in Tennessee ranks fifth for the highest number of violent crimes and second for the highest property crime rate in the state.
According to statistics, both visitors and approximately 16,600 residents in the area face a one in twenty chance of falling prey to criminal activities.
The area of Central Dyersburg has witnessed the highest number of crime incidents, whereas the suburbs located to the north, east, and south have a slightly lower crime rate.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a riverside city with hip pubs, one-of-a-kind museums, and, of course, Lookout Mountain.
It has a young population of roughly 185,000 people.
It’s also a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, this lively college town has an unpleasant level of crime.
Chattanooga has the fourth-highest rate of violent crime in the state, with 182 rapes and 33 homicides reported in 2020. Chattanooga is also a hotspot for car thieves.
There were 2101 car thefts in the city last year, more than in Memphis or Nashville.
Crime is more prevalent around the river and south of downtown.
There is a one in 72 probability of being victimized by crime, which is double the state average.
However, it should be mentioned that Chattanooga’s crime rates have been improving over the last two years.
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