Nashville, TN Crime Rate & Safety

Nashville, TN has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 20% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 208 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 38 chance for property crime. Nashville has higher crime than 78% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Nashville has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 81% of the city's 98 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Traceside is one of the safest areas, while Historic Buena Vista has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Nashville is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Nashville are Traceside, Poplar Creek Estates, Riverwalk, Belle Meade, and Belle Meade Links. 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 Nashville include Historic Buena Vista, Cayce Homes, MetroCenter, Buena Vista, and Chestnut Hill. 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 Nashville is 479.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 26% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 208 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.0 per 100K (20% above average); aggravated assault at 338.4 per 100K (26% above average); robbery at 94.9 per 100K (28% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Nashville is 2,666.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 38 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 310.5 per 100K (15% above average); larceny/theft at 1,939.4 per 100K (38% above average); vehicle theft at 416.3 per 100K (31% above average).

Nashville's overall crime rate is 20% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (38% above average), while burglary is 15% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Nashville has higher crime than 78% of them.

Visitors to Nashville should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 46% 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 Traceside, Poplar Creek Estates, Riverwalk.

Tennessee as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Nashville's crime rate is 20% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Tennessee city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Nashville, with an estimated rate of 1,939.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 38% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,666 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (480 per 100K) in Nashville, which is consistent with national trends.