South Oak Neighborhood, Knoxville
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Is South Oak Safe?
South Oak in Knoxville, TN has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 186, which is 86% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Knoxville average (crime index 151), South Oak is 35% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 149).
Overall, South Oak 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.
South Oak 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
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
189 | +89% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
185 | +85% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
How South Oak Compares
Crime index by category: South Oak vs Knoxville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Oak Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
South Oak Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Oak, Knoxville?
South Oak in Knoxville, TN has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 186, which is 86% above the national average. Compared to the Knoxville average, crime in South Oak is 35% higher.
Is South Oak a safe neighborhood in Knoxville?
South Oak is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Knoxville, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 149).
How does South Oak compare to the rest of Knoxville?
South Oak's overall crime index is 186, compared to the Knoxville average of 151. This means crime in South Oak is 35% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 177, and for property crime it is 175. 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 South Oak?
The most prevalent crime type in South Oak is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Oak?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lakemoor Hills, Vestal, Sequoyah Hills and Lyons View. These areas are close to South Oak and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Oak?
South Oak has a population of approximately 31. The median household income is $63,158. The median home value is $385,139. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Oak crime compare to the national average?
South Oak's overall crime rate is 86% above the national average (index 186 vs 100). 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.