| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Athens/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 917 | n/a (estimate) | 6,364 | 2,924 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.6 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 62.5 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 48.6 | 67.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 98 | n/a | 680.1 | 507.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 791 | 622 | 370 |
| Burglary | 125 | n/a | 867.5 | 319.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 602 | n/a | 4,177.9 | 1,620.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 76 | n/a | 527.4 | 362.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 803 | n/a (estimate) | 5,573 | 2,302 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Athens is 173.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Athens, there were 114 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 791 per 100,000 individuals, 114% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 803 property crimes, amounting to 5573 per 100,000 residents, 185.2% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 6364 per 100,000 residents, Athens has a crime rate that is 173.82% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Athens that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Athens has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 791 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Athens falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 127 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In the most recently reported crime year, Athens registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Every year, one in 18 people fall victim to a property crime in Athens - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5573 per 100,000 people, Athens has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Athens faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 76 vehicle thefts, translating to 527 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Athens in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 190.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Athens. Based on the results of the surveys (12 responses), 42% of people felt that there was very little crime in Athens and felt safe walking alone at night. While 58% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Athens, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Athens presents a total crime rate that is 174% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Athens experiences an average of 2.51 daily crimes, comprising 0.31 violent incidents and 2.2 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Athens. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Athens has increased by 2.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 29.6%, while property crimes have increased by 0.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Athens, the cost of living is 14.27% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Athens has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.42 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Athens, the average rental rates are $741 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Athens | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Charleston, TN | 668 | 147 | 885 | 1,032 |
| Niota, TN | 837 | 278 | 1,028 | 1,306 |
| Englewood, TN | 1,513 | 197 | 1,185 | 1,382 |
| Etowah, TN | 3,505 | 409 | 1,363 | 1,772 |
| Sweetwater, TN | 5,894 | 520 | 2,285 | 2,805 |
| Madisonville, TN | 4,950 | 508 | 3,126 | 3,634 |
| Riceville, TN | 771 | 840 | 3,109 | 3,949 |
| Athens, TN | 13,931 | 791 | 5,573 | 6,364 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jericho, NY | 13,928 | 163 | 656 | 819 |
| Reidsville, NC | 13,928 | 988 | 3,833 | 4,820 |
| Orange, CT | 13,928 | 84 | 4,137 | 4,221 |
| Hutchinson, MN | 13,935 | 287 | 978 | 1,265 |
| Sauk Rapids, MN | 13,926 | 79 | 1,724 | 1,804 |
| Athens, TN | 13,931 | 791 | 5,573 | 6,364 |
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