Tennessee is famous for its music, culture, and natural beauty, but it also boasts some of the most hazardous cities in the United States. According to a new survey by Property Club, a website that analyzes FBI crime data, Memphis is America’s most hazardous city, followed by St. Louis and Oakland. The list only takes into account cities having a population of at least 200,000.
What Makes Memphis so Dangerous?
Memphis’s population is 628,127, and its crime rate is 237% greater than the national average. It has 7,913 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants, with a very high violent crime rate. In 2022, there were 15,318 episodes of violent crime, including 289 murders, 2,134 robberies, and 12,484 assaults.
Poverty, unemployment, drug misuse, gang activity, and a lack of education are all contributing causes to Memphis’ high crime rate. Memphis has a history of racial tensions and civil unrest, which has resulted in violence and protests over topics including police brutality and racial justice.
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What Are the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Memphis?
Property Club’s rating also identified the most unsafe areas in Memphis. The top four include:
Shelby-Forest Frayser: This area has a crime index of 1,057/1000 and a violent crime rate of 1,021/1000. It is home to numerous low-income inhabitants who confront issues such as inadequate housing and limited access to health care and education facilities.
Downtown: This neighborhood has a crime index of 1,021/1000 and a violent crime rate of 1/1000. It is located near downtown Memphis and has suffered from poverty and degradation for decades. It also has high incidences of drug trafficking and prostitution.
Parkway Village-Oakhaven: Parkway Village-Oakhaven has a 1/1000 crime index and a 1/1000 violent crime rate. It is located along Interstate 40 and has been impacted by urban deterioration and social issues such as homelessness and mental illness.
White Haven-Coro Lake: This neighborhood has a 1/1000 crime index and a 1/1000 violent crime rate. It is located near Lake Mead Regional Park and has been affected by environmental concerns such as floods and pollutants.
How Does Tennessee Compare to the Other States?
Tennessee is not all about crime and danger; there are lots of safe communities. According to Property Club’s rating of Tennessee communities with at least 200,000 population, some of the safest are:
- Franklin has a population of around 95,000 people with a low crime rate when compared to Tennessee’s other major cities. The overall crime index is 76/1000, and no violent crimes have been reported in recent years.
- Nashville is Tennessee’s capital and largest city, with over half a million citizens. The overall crime index is 64/1000, and there have been no violent crimes reported in recent years.
- Knoxville is a city on the Tennessee River with a population of around 300,000 people. The overall crime index is 59/1000, and no violent crimes have been reported in recent years.
Summary
In summary, while Tennessee is known for its music, culture, and natural beauty, it also has some of the most dangerous cities in the United States, particularly Memphis. High crime rates, particularly in some communities, are ascribed to complicated causes including poverty, unemployment, and past racial tensions. However, the state also includes safe areas such as Franklin, Nashville, and Knoxville, where lower crime rates contribute to a more secure living environment and general well-being.