| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dickson/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 474 | n/a (estimate) | 2,792 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 5.9 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 47.1 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 70 | n/a | 412.3 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 79 | n/a (estimate) | 465 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 106.0 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 339 | n/a | 1,996.5 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 38 | n/a | 223.8 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 395 | n/a (estimate) | 2,326 | 2,032 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Dickson crime rate is higher than the national average by 31.7%. Specifically, there were 79 violent crimes in Dickson, equivalent to 465 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 29.6%. Furthermore, Dickson recorded 395 property crimes, amounting to 2326 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 32.2%.
What do the local residents think about crime in Dickson? Well, based on a recent survey of 19 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 47% of Dickson residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 53% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Dickson 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 Dickson crime rate is 32% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.3 crimes per day - 0.22 violent crimes and 1.08 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Dickson has decreased by 10.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Dickson, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 35.8%, while property crime has decreased by 3.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Dickson is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Dickson crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Dickson has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Dickson crime rates. For instance, in Dickson, the population density stands at 793.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Dickson has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.38 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.
| Item | Dickson | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 50 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Kingston Springs, TN | 2,809 | 93 | 319 | 412 |
| Fairview, TN | 9,268 | 124 | 467 | 591 |
| Burns, TN | 1,752 | 154 | 530 | 684 |
| Charlotte, TN | 2,166 | 235 | 808 | 1,044 |
| Bon Aqua Junction, TN | 1,313 | 268 | 920 | 1,188 |
| Lyles, TN | 1,321 | 268 | 921 | 1,190 |
| White Bluff, TN | 3,665 | 328 | 962 | 1,290 |
| Dickson, TN | 16,026 | 465 | 2,326 | 2,792 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bridgeview, IL | 16,031 | 300 | 1,779 | 2,079 |
| West University Place, TX | 16,021 | 54 | 992 | 1,046 |
| Overland, MO | 16,019 | 527 | 2,181 | 2,709 |
| Talladega, AL | 16,019 | 541 | 3,441 | 3,982 |
| Tanque Verde, AZ | 16,017 | 172 | 731 | 903 |
| Dickson, TN | 16,026 | 465 | 2,326 | 2,792 |