| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Nashville/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 33,482 | n/a (estimate) | 4,927 | 2,924 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 83 | n/a | 12.2 | 8.6 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 385 | n/a | 56.7 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1,224 | n/a | 180.1 | 67.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5,799 | n/a | 853.3 | 507.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 7,491 | n/a (estimate) | 1,102 | 622 | 370 |
| Burglary | 3,470 | n/a | 510.6 | 319.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 19,534 | n/a | 2,874.5 | 1,620.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,987 | n/a | 439.5 | 362.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 25,991 | n/a (estimate) | 3,825 | 2,302 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Nashville is 112% 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 Nashville, there were 7491 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1102 per 100,000 individuals, 198.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 25991 property crimes, amounting to 3825 per 100,000 residents, 95.7% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 4927 per 100,000 residents, Nashville experiences a crime rate that is 111.99% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Nashville contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Nashville is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1102 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Nashville is 1 in 91.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Nashville is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 83 murders in Nashville, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Nashville being a very dangerous place to live.
Nashville has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3825 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Nashville is 1 in 27, which is far higher than the national average.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Nashville has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Nashville reported 2987 vehicle thefts, which equates to 440 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Nashville is 1 in 228.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Nashville residents. Out of the respondents (302 in total), 25% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Nashville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 75% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Nashville is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Nashville has a total crime rate that is 112% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 91.73 daily crimes (20.52 violent daily crimes and 71.21 daily property crimes) in Nashville.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Nashville. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Nashville has increased by 1.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7%, while property crime has increased by 4.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Nashville.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Nashville, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 88 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Nashville are areas such as Poplar Creek Estates, Edmondson-Cloverland and Barclay Drive, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like West Meade, Salemtown and Greenwood are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
In Nashville, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Nashville crime rates.
In Nashville, 83.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Nashville are $1,170, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Nashville | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,637 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Nolensville, TN | 9,221 | 88 | 330 | 418 |
| Shackle Island, TN | 4,010 | 118 | 438 | 557 |
| Forest Hills, TN | 4,868 | 162 | 598 | 759 |
| Oak Hill, TN | 4,536 | 162 | 598 | 759 |
| Brentwood, TN | 42,700 | 68 | 842 | 910 |
| Belle Meade, TN | 2,191 | 0 | 926 | 926 |
| Hendersonville, TN | 57,888 | 136 | 836 | 972 |
| Nashville, TN | 667,070 | 1,102 | 3,825 | 4,927 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Detroit, MI | 672,351 | 2,028 | 4,478 | 6,506 |
| El Paso, TX | 679,879 | 313 | 1,379 | 1,692 |
| Memphis, TN | 650,910 | 2,421 | 7,166 | 9,587 |
| Portland, OR | 650,380 | 751 | 6,324 | 7,076 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 649,821 | 642 | 3,059 | 3,701 |
| Nashville, TN | 667,070 | 1,102 | 3,825 | 4,927 |
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