Oak Ridge, TN Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 68% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026
Is Oak Ridge Safe?
Oak Ridge has a crime rate that is 34% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 361.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like The Preserve at Clinch River earn an A+ safety grade, while Emory Valley rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Oak Ridge.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 361
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
27% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 65
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
16% lower than national average
Oak Ridge Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Oak Ridge Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
Where Is It Safe in Oak Ridge?
Safety varies dramatically across Oak Ridge's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Oak Ridge
All Oak Ridge Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Preserve at Clinch River | A+ | 98 |
| 2 | Emory Valley | A | 42 |
Oak Ridge Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Oak Ridge zip codes.
Oak Ridge Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge, TN has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 34% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 361 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 65 chance for property crime. Oak Ridge has lower crime than 68% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Oak Ridge, TN safe to live in?
Oak Ridge is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, The Preserve at Clinch River is one of the safest areas, while Emory Valley has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Oak Ridge is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Oak Ridge?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Oak Ridge are The Preserve at Clinch River, and Emory Valley. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Oak Ridge?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Oak Ridge include Emory Valley. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Oak Ridge?
The estimated violent crime rate in Oak Ridge is 277.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 27% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 361 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.4 per 100K (33% below average); aggravated assault at 203.8 per 100K (24% below average); robbery at 49.2 per 100K (33% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Oak Ridge?
The estimated property crime rate in Oak Ridge is 1,543.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 65 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 174.2 per 100K (35% below average); larceny/theft at 1,112.4 per 100K (21% below average); vehicle theft at 257.2 per 100K (19% below average).
How does Oak Ridge crime compare to the national average?
Oak Ridge's overall crime rate is 34% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (19% below average), while rape is 39% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Oak Ridge has lower crime than 68% of them.
Is Oak Ridge safe to visit?
Oak Ridge is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 16% below 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 The Preserve at Clinch River, Emory Valley.
How does Oak Ridge crime compare to the rest of Tennessee?
Tennessee as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Oak Ridge's crime rate is 34% below the national average, making it safer the typical Tennessee city.
What type of crime is most common in Oak Ridge?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Oak Ridge, with an estimated rate of 1,112.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 21% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,544 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (277 per 100K) in Oak Ridge, which is consistent with national trends.