Western Heights Neighborhood, Knoxville

Crime Rate & Statistics

C+

Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average

Safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Knoxville

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 197 / 300 High

Violent Crime 191

91% above national avg

Property Crime 171

71% above national avg

City Ranking

22%

safer than other

Knoxville neighborhoods

Is Western Heights Safe?

Western Heights in Knoxville, TN has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average of 100. Western Heights is safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Knoxville.

Compared to the Knoxville average (crime index 151), Western Heights is 46% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 198, 98% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 135).

Western Heights has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.

Highest Risk

Rape · Index 198 (98% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 135 (35% above avg)

Western Heights Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Knoxville city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Knoxville	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	197	+97%	+49%	High
Assault	197	+97%	+46%	High
Robbery	171	+71%	+39%	High
Rape	198	+98%	N/A	High
Property Crime
Burglary	135	+35%	+9%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	179	+79%	+28%	High
Vehicle Theft	198	+98%	+48%	High

How Western Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Western Heights vs Knoxville average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Western Heights Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Western Heights Demographics & Context

Population

1,045

Median Income

$20,607

Home Value

$83,660

Median Age

Pop. Density

7,042/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 8%

Graduate Degree 0%

Housing

14%

86%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 54.9%

Black 34.9%

Hispanic 9.1%

Asian 0.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Beaumont Index: 180

C+

College Hills Index: 190

C-

Mechanicsville Index: 174

Lonsdale Index: 165

C+

Oakwood Index: 114

Emory Place Index: 168

A-

Fort Sanders Index: 176

A-

West View Index: 168

B+

Western Heights Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Knoxville Crime Statistics

View all Knoxville neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Western Heights, Knoxville?

Western Heights in Knoxville, TN has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average. Compared to the Knoxville average, crime in Western Heights is 46% higher. Western Heights is safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Knoxville.

Is Western Heights a safe neighborhood in Knoxville?

Western Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 198), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 135).

How does Western Heights compare to the rest of Knoxville?

Western Heights's overall crime index is 197, compared to the Knoxville average of 151. This means crime in Western Heights is 46% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 191, and for property crime it is 171. 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 Western Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Western Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Western Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oakwood, Emory Place, Fort Sanders and West View. These areas are close to Western Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Western Heights?

Western Heights has a population of approximately 1,045. The median household income is $20,607. The median home value is $83,660. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Western Heights crime compare to the national average?

Western Heights's overall crime rate is 97% above the national average (index 197 vs 100). Within Knoxville, it is safer than 22% 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.