D-
21%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
41%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
17%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSweetwater/100k peopleTennessee/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime178n/a (estimate)2,8052,9242,324
Murder1n/a15.88.66.3
Rape1n/a15.838.240.0
Robbery2n/a31.567.166.1
Assault29n/a457.1507.6268.2
Violent crime33n/a (estimate)520622370
Burglary15n/a236.4319.1269.8
Theft111n/a1,749.41,620.91,401.9
Vehicle theft19n/a299.4362.3282.7
Property crime145n/a (estimate)2,2852,3021,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sweetwater, TN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Sweetwater crime rate is 20.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Sweetwater, there were 33 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 520 per 100,000 individuals, 40.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Sweetwater recorded 145 property crimes, amounting to 2285 per 100,000 residents, 16.9% higher than the U.S. average.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Sweetwater has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Sweetwater, which is 16 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sweetwater?

AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Sweetwater to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in Sweetwater and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Sweetwater a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Sweetwater a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Sweetwater crime rate is 21% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.49 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 0.4 property crimes.

Has Crime in Sweetwater Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sweetwater. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sweetwater has decreased by 15.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 19.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 14.7%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sweetwater

Sweetwater has a poverty rate of 16.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Sweetwater crime rates. Sweetwater registers a population density of 667 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sweetwater, 72.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Sweetwater crime map



The Sweetwater crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sweetwater as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Sweetwater crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sweetwater crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Sweetwater, TN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sweetwater crime rates are 21% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sweetwater are 41% higher than the national average
      • In Sweetwater you have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sweetwater is safer than 17% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sweetwater has decreased by 21%

      Sweetwater, TN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sweetwater

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Sweetwater?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Sweetwater?
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        See all Sweetwater poll results

        Daily Crime In Sweetwater (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Sweetwater, TN per 100,000 people. In Sweetwater, the total number of daily crimes is 1.04 times less than the Tennessee average and 1.21 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Sweetwater is 1.20 times less than the Tennessee average and 1.41 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Sweetwater has a daily crime rate that is 1.01 times less than the Tennessee average and 1.17 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Sweetwater (higher is better)

        Is Sweetwater safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Tennessee as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Sweetwater to other cities in the state and across the country, Sweetwater is 24% safer than other cities of Tennessee and 17% safer than other cities in the nation. Sweetwater has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sweetwater

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sweetwater is 1 in 193
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sweetwater is 1 in 44
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sweetwater is 1 in 36
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Sweetwater, Tennessee? If you reside in Sweetwater, then there is a 1 in 193 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 44. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 36 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Sweetwater.

        Year Over Year Crime In Sweetwater (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Sweetwater is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Sweetwater violent crime rates have decreased by 24%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 20% year over year. Total crimes for Sweetwater has decreased by 21% in the same time frame.

        Sweetwater police department

        Item Sweetwater Tennessee National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2011,551558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.43.63.3
        There are a total of 20 Sweetwater police officers. This results in 3.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.9% less than the Tennessee average and 4.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Tennessee

        State Total offenders Tennessee /100K National /100K
        Tennessee24,578412266
        There are a total of 24,578 sex offenders in Tennessee. This yields a total of 412 sex offenders in Tennessee per 100,000 residents which is 55% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Loudon, TN5,82915494509
        Tellico Village, TN5,314202749951
        Niota, TN8372781,0281,306
        Englewood, TN1,5131971,1851,382
        Philadelphia, TN8083111,1511,462
        Lenoir City, TN9,1913872,3972,784
        Madisonville, TN4,9505083,1263,634
        Sweetwater, TN5,8945202,2852,805

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        McKees Rocks, PA5,8923441,8212,165
        Oelwein, IA5,8963977261,123
        Wesley Hills, NY5,891140560700
        Ramblewood, NJ5,8991691,1801,349
        St. James, NC5,889105536641
        Sweetwater, TN5,8945202,2852,805
        Source: The Sweetwater, TN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.