Martin, TN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Martin, TN

What is Martin's overall crime grade?

Martin, TN earns an overall crime grade of C+ for 2026. That places it in a middle tier — not among Tennessee's most dangerous small cities, but with enough criminal activity to warrant awareness. For context, Martin's poverty rate of 29.1% and unemployment rate of 5.8% are economic factors that research consistently links to elevated property crime risk. Residents and prospective movers should use the interactive crime map above to explore incident concentrations by neighborhood rather than relying on citywide averages alone.

How does Martin's crime rate compare to similar Tennessee cities?

With a population of 10,585 and a density of just 329 people per square mile, Martin is a low-density small city. Its C+ crime grade suggests crime rates that run above the national median for towns of its size, though significantly below major urban centers in Tennessee. The city's median household income of $33,030 — well below the Tennessee state median — and a poverty rate of 29.1% help explain why property crimes such as theft and burglary tend to be the most frequently reported incident categories here. Violent crime occurs but is comparatively less prevalent.

What types of crime are most common in Martin?

Property crimes dominate Martin's incident reports, consistent with the city's economic profile. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle break-ins — accounts for the largest share of reported offenses. Burglary is a secondary concern, particularly in lower-income residential corridors. Drug-related offenses represent a meaningful slice of calls for service, a pattern common across rural West Tennessee communities. Violent crimes such as assault do occur, though they represent a smaller percentage of overall incidents. The crime map filters by category so you can isolate which offense types are most active near any given address or neighborhood.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Martin, TN?

Based on incident density data, areas near the University of Tennessee at Martin campus and the surrounding university district tend to see active police patrols and community oversight, which suppresses certain crime categories. Established residential streets along West Main Street and quieter subdivisions on the city's northern and western edges generally report fewer incidents than commercial corridors. By contrast, areas with higher concentrations of rental housing — where median rent citywide is just $649 per month — can see elevated property crime. Use the heat-map layer on the crime map to compare specific blocks before making housing decisions.

Is Martin, TN safe to live in?

Martin's C+ crime grade means it is a city where safety is manageable with reasonable precautions, but not one where crime can be ignored. The city's 29.1% poverty rate — nearly double the national average — creates economic stress that correlates with higher property crime risk across many neighborhoods. That said, Martin's low population density of 329 residents per square mile and its tight-knit community culture mean that neighbors often know each other, which aids informal surveillance and faster reporting. Families, students attending UT Martin, and retirees can find comfortable, lower-cost living here — median home values sit at just $129,081 — while staying informed through tools like this crime map.

How can I use the Martin crime map effectively?

The crime map is most useful when you apply its filtering tools strategically. Start by selecting a specific crime category — such as theft or assault — and set the date range to the most recent 90 days to see current hotspots rather than historical noise. Toggle the heat-map layer to identify concentration zones versus isolated incidents. If you are evaluating a rental at Martin's median rent of $649/month or purchasing a home near the $129,081 median value, zoom into that specific block and check incident frequency over the past year. Pair the map data with reports from the Martin Police Department for the fullest picture of neighborhood-level safety trends heading into 2026.

What economic factors influence crime in Martin?

Several measurable economic indicators shape Martin's crime landscape. The city's 29.1% poverty rate is the most significant — communities with poverty rates above 20% consistently experience elevated property crime nationally. An unemployment rate of 5.8% adds further pressure, as does a median household income of $33,030 that limits residents' ability to invest in home security systems or move to lower-risk areas. Median rent of just $649 reflects affordability but also signals a housing stock that skews toward older, less-secured structures. These factors collectively support Martin's C+ grade and underscore why property crime prevention — securing vehicles, reinforcing entry points, and participating in neighborhood watch — is especially impactful here.