3 Tennessee Cities Ranked Among Most Dangerous in U.S.

There is no doubt that Tennessee is full of charm and character. Whether you’re enjoying the music scene and nightlife in Nashville, catching a Vols game in Knoxville, or soaking in the beauty of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, there’s no shortage of things to love in the Volunteer State. But even the best places have room for improvement - and when it comes to crime, Tennessee has some serious work to do.

Tennessee Cities Make the Wrong Kind of List

According to the latest FBI crime statistics released for 2024-2025, three Tennessee cities rank among the 25 most dangerous metro areas in the country. The list, compiled by U.S. News & World Report, is based on key data from the FBI - specifically looking at murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people.

Memphis, TN, is the Most Dangerous Place in America

Sitting at the very top of the list is Memphis, which has the highest overall crime rate in the nation. The city has struggled with public safety issues for a long time, and is often near the top of “negative” lists associated with Tennessee.

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Of course, it’s important to remember that crime statistics don’t tell the whole story. Memphis is also a city rich in culture and history - it’s home to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and it inspired the classic song “Walking in Memphis.”

Chattanooga and Nashville Are Also Pretty Dangerous

Memphis isn’t alone, though. Chattanooga comes in at #16 on the list, which is actually an improvement from last year when it ranked #6. Meanwhile, Nashville, the state’s capital and most popular city, lands at #23 on the list.

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It’s easy to focus on the negatives when headlines call out high crime rates - but it’s also worth acknowledging that each of these cities has a lot to offer. The hope is that, with continued effort and investment in community safety, these cities can start making better lists in the future.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Tennessee

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Tennessee using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

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When I first saw photos of this Airbnb listing, I thought for sure it had to be fake. I mean come on, a lighthouse on a private island with Smoky Mountain views? This sounds like a dream, but it's real!

Gallery Credit: Melissa