South Memphis Neighborhood, Memphis
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night
Safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Memphis
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Memphis
Is South Memphis Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. South Memphis in Memphis, TN has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average of 100. South Memphis is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Memphis.
Compared to the Memphis average (crime index 95), South Memphis is 86% 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: 178, 78% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 83).
South Memphis 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
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Assault
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
161 | +61% | High | |
How South Memphis Compares
Crime index by category: South Memphis vs Memphis average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Memphis Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Memphis Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Memphis, Memphis?
South Memphis in Memphis, TN has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average. Compared to the Memphis average, crime in South Memphis is 86% higher. South Memphis is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Memphis.
Is South Memphis a safe neighborhood in Memphis?
South Memphis has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Assault (index: 178), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 83).
How does South Memphis compare to the rest of Memphis?
South Memphis's overall crime index is 181, compared to the Memphis average of 95. This means crime in South Memphis is 86% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 142, and for property crime it is 147. 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 Memphis?
The most prevalent crime type in South Memphis is Assault, with a crime index of 178 (78% 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 South Memphis?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wellington Street. These areas are close to South Memphis and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Memphis?
South Memphis has a population of approximately 12,473. The median household income is $28,006. The median home value is $52,492. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Memphis crime compare to the national average?
South Memphis's overall crime rate is 81% above the national average (index 181 vs 100). Within Memphis, it is safer than 7% 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.