Downtown Neighborhood, Memphis
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 16% of neighborhoods in Memphis
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Memphis
Is Downtown Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Downtown in Memphis, TN has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 152, which is 52% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 16% of neighborhoods in Memphis.
Compared to the Memphis average (crime index 95), Downtown is 57% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 160, 60% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 113).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Memphis city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Assault
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Memphis 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.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Memphis?
Downtown in Memphis, TN has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 152, which is 52% above the national average. Compared to the Memphis average, crime in Downtown is 57% higher. Downtown is safer than 16% of neighborhoods in Memphis.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Memphis?
Downtown has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 160), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 113).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Memphis?
Downtown's overall crime index is 152, compared to the Memphis average of 95. This means crime in Downtown is 57% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 142, and for property crime it is 146. 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 Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 160 (60% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Harbortown / Mud Island. 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 12,564. The median household income is $55,845. The median home value is $297,250. 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 52% above the national average (index 152 vs 100). Within Memphis, it is safer than 16% 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 April 2026.