| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Athens/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 641 | n/a (estimate) | 4,288 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.7 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 33.4 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 46.8 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 80 | n/a | 535.2 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 93 | n/a (estimate) | 622 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 65 | n/a | 434.8 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 438 | n/a | 2,930.0 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 45 | n/a | 301.0 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 548 | n/a (estimate) | 3,666 | 2,032 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Athens crime rate is 102.3% 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 Athens, there were 93 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 622 per 100,000 individuals, 73.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Athens recorded 548 property crimes, amounting to 3666 per 100,000 residents, 108.3% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 4288 crimes per 100,000 people, the Athens crime rates stand at 102.34 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Athens, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
Athens reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3666 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to property crime in Athens, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Athens. Based on the results of the surveys (15 responses), 47% of people felt that there was very little crime in Athens and felt safe walking alone at night. While 53% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Athens is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Athens has an overall crime rate that is 102% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.76 daily occurrences, comprising 0.25 violent crimes and 1.5 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Athens as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Athens. 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 Athens has decreased by 28.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 5.7%, while property crime has decreased by 32%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Athens.
Athens has a poverty rate that stands at 23.7, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Athens crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Athens crime rates. Athens registers a population density of 927.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Athens, the median home price stands at $277,041, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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 |
| Englewood, TN | 1,544 | 63 | 444 | 507 |
| Etowah, TN | 3,600 | 161 | 403 | 565 |
| Charleston, TN | 687 | 444 | 888 | 1,332 |
| Sweetwater, TN | 6,125 | 343 | 1,374 | 1,717 |
| Madisonville, TN | 5,104 | 372 | 2,212 | 2,584 |
| Decatur, TN | 1,667 | 303 | 2,302 | 2,604 |
| Riceville, TN | 786 | 605 | 2,076 | 2,681 |
| Athens, TN | 14,414 | 622 | 3,666 | 4,288 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Reidsville, NC | 14,401 | 597 | 2,736 | 3,332 |
| Auburn, CA | 14,428 | 382 | 661 | 1,043 |
| Red Bluff, CA | 14,432 | 1,277 | 4,250 | 5,527 |
| Springdale, NJ | 14,396 | 106 | 691 | 797 |
| Youngsville, LA | 14,439 | 289 | 1,278 | 1,567 |
| Athens, TN | 14,414 | 622 | 3,666 | 4,288 |
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