Memphis, TN Crime Rate & Safety

Memphis, TN has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 98% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 139 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 23 chance for property crime. Memphis has higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Memphis has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 75% of the city's 242 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Gailyn Ridge is one of the safest areas, while Klondyke has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Memphis is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Memphis are Gailyn Ridge, Daybreak, Buckhead Acres, Davies Plantation, and Easthill. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Memphis include Klondyke, Handy Holiday Community Club, New Pathways, Victorian Village, and Winchester Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Memphis is 718.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 89% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 139 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.9 per 100K (98% above average); aggravated assault at 511.1 per 100K (91% above average); robbery at 135.6 per 100K (84% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Memphis is 4,353.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 138% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 23 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 542.7 per 100K (101% above average); larceny/theft at 3,141.7 per 100K (124% above average); vehicle theft at 669.4 per 100K (110% above average).

Memphis's overall crime rate is 98% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (124% above average), while robbery is 84% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Memphis has higher crime than 95% of them.

Visitors to Memphis should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 138% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Gailyn Ridge, Daybreak, Buckhead Acres.

Tennessee as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Memphis's crime rate is 98% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Tennessee city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Memphis, with an estimated rate of 3,141.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 124% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,354 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (719 per 100K) in Memphis, which is consistent with national trends.