Murfreesboro, TN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murfreesboro's overall crime grade?

Murfreesboro earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it in a favorable position compared to many U.S. cities of similar size. With a population of 169,243 and a population density of 869 residents per square mile, the city's crime profile reflects a community that is growing rapidly but still maintaining relatively manageable safety levels. A B grade means residents experience meaningfully lower crime exposure than the national average, though pockets of higher activity do exist in certain corridors of the city.

Is Murfreesboro safe to live in?

By the numbers, Murfreesboro is a reasonably safe city. Its B overall crime grade reflects crime rates that outperform a majority of similarly sized American cities. The city's 4.9% unemployment rate and median household income of $60,683 contribute to economic stability, which research consistently links to lower crime levels. Property crimes — such as theft and vehicle break-ins — are more prevalent than violent crimes, and incidents tend to cluster in specific commercial and transitional zones rather than spreading evenly across all neighborhoods. Families in areas like Northfield and Greenfield Commons report notably quieter conditions than the citywide average.

What types of crime are most common in Murfreesboro?

Property crime accounts for the largest share of reported incidents in Murfreesboro, consistent with national trends for mid-sized Sun Belt cities. Theft, including shoplifting and vehicle theft, leads the incident breakdown, followed by burglary and vandalism. Violent crime — assault, robbery — represents a smaller percentage of overall incidents and is more concentrated in higher-density commercial zones than in residential neighborhoods. Drug-related offenses also appear in the data, particularly in areas with higher poverty exposure; Murfreesboro's 13% poverty rate is a factor law enforcement and community programs actively work to address. Understanding which crime types dominate helps residents prioritize the right precautions — securing vehicles and homes ranks as the highest-impact action for most Murfreesboro residents.

Which Murfreesboro neighborhoods have the lowest crime rates?

Neighborhoods such as Northfield, Greenfield Commons, and Westlawn consistently appear among the lower-crime areas when reviewing incident maps. These communities feature higher rates of homeownership — supported by a median home value of $256,428 — active neighborhood associations, and stronger social cohesion, all of which are statistically associated with reduced crime. Master-planned and newer suburban developments on Murfreesboro's expanding edges also tend to show fewer incidents per capita, partly because lower population density (the city averages 869 people per sq mi overall, but outer neighborhoods run lower) reduces opportunity for certain crime types.

How does Murfreesboro's crime rate compare to the rest of Tennessee?

Murfreesboro's B crime grade positions it favorably within Tennessee, where several larger cities score in the C-to-D range. The city's relatively lower population density compared to Memphis or Nashville, combined with a median household income of $60,683 — above the state median — helps suppress crime rates. That said, Murfreesboro is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, and rapid growth can introduce upward pressure on certain crime categories, particularly property crime in newly commercialized corridors. Monitoring the crime map regularly gives residents an early signal of any emerging hotspots before they become entrenched patterns.

Is Murfreesboro a good place to buy a home from a safety perspective?

With a crime grade of B and a median home value of $256,428, Murfreesboro offers a compelling combination of relative safety and housing affordability — especially compared to neighboring Nashville. The city's 4.9% unemployment rate and a median rent of $1,095 indicate a stable local economy that supports property values over time. Prospective buyers should use the crime map to compare specific ZIP codes and neighborhoods: areas like Northfield and Greenfield Commons offer lower incident densities, while blocks adjacent to high-traffic commercial strips may show elevated property crime counts. A B-grade city overall means roughly 60–70% of neighborhoods will feel noticeably safe for day-to-day life, making Murfreesboro a sound choice for families weighing safety alongside cost of living.

What is the poverty rate in Murfreesboro and how does it affect crime?

Murfreesboro's poverty rate stands at 13%, slightly above the national median but not dramatically so for a fast-growing Southern city. Economic research consistently shows a correlation between concentrated poverty and elevated property and drug-related crime rates. In Murfreesboro, neighborhoods with higher poverty concentrations do tend to show more incidents on the crime map, while lower-poverty areas like Greenfield Commons and Westlawn track closer to the city's favorable B-grade average. Community investment programs, workforce development initiatives, and the city's proximity to Nashville's job market all serve as counterweights, helping to keep the overall crime grade from slipping despite the 13% poverty figure.