Downtown Neighborhood, Knoxville
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Knoxville
Safety at a Glance
Is Downtown Safe?
Downtown in Knoxville, TN has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Knoxville.
Compared to the Knoxville average (crime index 151), Downtown is 46% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 196, 96% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
Overall, Downtown is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Knoxville city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Rape
|
194 | +94% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
196 | +96% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Knoxville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Knoxville?
Downtown in Knoxville, TN has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average. Compared to the Knoxville average, crime in Downtown is 46% higher. Downtown is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Knoxville.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Knoxville?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Knoxville, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 196), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Knoxville?
Downtown's overall crime index is 197, compared to the Knoxville average of 151. This means crime in Downtown is 46% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 195, and for property crime it is 189. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Murder, with a crime index of 196 (96% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Old City, Emory Place, Fort Sanders and Old Sevier. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 1,181. The median household income is $47,427. The median home value is $542,723. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 97% above the national average (index 197 vs 100). Within Knoxville, it is safer than 67% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated March 2026.