Are you also attracted to Tennessee's low tax rates, low cost of living, great climate, natural beauty, diverse job opportunities, and great childcare? Between 2023 and 2024, Tennessee ranked as the fourth-best state to move to in the U.S. The state attracted 203,156 migrants in 2023, a 10.1% decrease from the year prior. Whether young job seekers or older retirees, many people move to Tennessee for the above reasons.
But are you hesitant between the blues legacy of Memphis, the country music capital of Nashville, and Gatlinburg as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? But don't rush to make a decision just yet. Crime should be your primary consideration.
This article will provide an in-depth look at the top 10 safest cities in Tennessee, focusing on areas with low crime rates that are ideal for families and retirees. Let's uncover some of the safest cities in Tennessee.
Source: PlanetofHotels
Is Tennessee a Safe Place to Live?
No, the crime rate in Tennessee remains quite serious, but it may be safer than you think. According to FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR), in 2024, for every 100,000 people, there were 592 violent crimes and 2,032 property crimes. Compared to the US average, the violent crime rate in 2024 in Tennessee was 64.9% higher, and its rate of property crime was 15.5% higher. Tennessee ranked third among states for high violent crime rates and tenth among states for high property crime rates. Memphis, Tennessee, had the highest total crime rate in 2024, with 9,400.3 offenses per 100,000 people.
But the good news is that between 2023 and 2024, the overall crime rate in Tennessee decreased by 12.8%. And based on Safewise, more than half (51%) of Tennessee residents say they feel safe in their state, which is up from 38% the year before. That confidence level is also higher than the nationwide average of 48%.
| Crime Type | Crime Rate per 100,000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | Murder and non-negligent manslaughter | 7.696 |
| Rape | 37.296 | |
| Robbery | 58.608 | |
| Aggravated assault | 488.4 | |
| Property Crime | Burglary | 251.968 |
| Larceny-theft | 1442.72 | |
| Motor vehicle theft | 337.312 |
How Do We Rank the Safest Cities?
We evaluate and rank the safest cities in Tennessee using crime data from Safewise, a national authority on home and community security. They use the most up-to-date FBI crime data (October 2024) as the backbone of reports and include demographic information.
There are two main crime statistics that are tracked: violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 people in each city. According to the FBI, violent crimes are "composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, while the FBI defines property crimes as the following offenses: "burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson."
Top 10 Safest Cities to Live in Tennessee
Everyone wants to feel safe anywhere. Whether you're checking in on your current city or scouting out a new one, we've crunched the numbers on crime rates across Tennessee. The safest cities rankings are intended to highlight cities with low crime rates.
| Rank | City | Population | Violent crime rate per 1,000 | Property crime rate per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nolensville | 18,450 | 0.22 | 2.28 |
| 2 | Signal Mountain | 8,896 | 0 | 3.48 |
| 3 | Kingston | 6,194 | 0.81 | 5.33 |
| 4 | Mount Juliet | 44,062 | 0.86 | 6.67 |
| 5 | Oakland | 10,569 | 1.51 | 4.64 |
| 6 | Atoka | 10,673 | 1.12 | 6 |
| 7 | Loudon | 6,469 | 0.93 | 6.8 |
| 8 | Church Hill | 7,178 | 1.39 | 5.43 |
| 9 | Fairview | 10,118 | 1.38 | 6.13 |
| 10 | Spring Hill | 58,200 | 1.36 | 7.29 |
1. Nolensville
Located in the rolling hills of eastern Williamson County, Nolensville has a population of 18,450. The city's crime rate is extremely low, with an overall crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000. Whether you're hunting for antiques, sampling donuts, or strolling through bustling farmers markets, you'll experience the town's front-porch personality.
2. Signal Mountain
The Town of Signal Mountain is located on Walden's Ridge at the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau. As one of the "best places to live in Tennessee," the city has a population of 8,896 and a crime rate of 3.48 per 1,000, with a violent crime rate of 0. Just 20 minutes from downtown, Signal Mountain offers dazzling panoramas, streams, waterfalls, and hikes that stretch for miles and miles.
3. Kingston
Kingston is a city in and the county seat of Roane County, and is adjacent to Watts Bar Lake. This peaceful city has a population of only 6,194, with an overall crime rate of 6.14 per 1,000, and a very low violent crime rate. Kingston is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Fort Southwest Point, Smokehouse Bar n Grill, Rose Bailey Lake, Kingston City Park, and The New Brewery.
4. Mount Juliet
Mt. Juliet is a city located in western Wilson County. A suburb of Nashville, it is approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown Nashville. As one of Tennessee's fastest-growing communities, its population is 44,062, with a crime rate of only 7.53 per 1,000. It's neighborly, quiet, safe, but also offers many local restaurants and great community resources.
5. Oakland
Oakland is a town in Tennessee with a population of 10,569, and an overall crime rate of 6.15 per 1,000. Oakland is located in Fayette County. Living in Oakland offers residents a slower pace and a rural feel. Many families and young professionals live in Oakland.
6. Atoka
The Town of Atoka, Tennessee, is a growing community in Tipton County located just outside of Memphis, offering the charm of small-town living with the convenience of regional access. Atoka has evolved into one of the fastest-growing towns in the area, with a population of over 10,673 residents. Known for its safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and family-oriented atmosphere, the town has a crime rate of 7.12 per 1,000.
7. Loudon
Nestled between the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains, Loudon has a population of 6,469, with an overall crime rate of 7.73 per 1,000. This charming town offers lake views, hiking trails, a winery, antiquing, and sumptuous food.
8. Church Hill
With a population of 7,178, Church Hill is the largest city located in Hawkins County, Tennessee. With a low cost of living, a 1.01% tax rate, a booming real estate market, and a low crime rate (6.82 per 1,000), you just can't find a better place to live. The city is located in beautiful Northeast Tennessee, approximately 80 miles east of Knoxville. Church Hill is just minutes away from several area lakes, such as Cherokee, Boone, Watauga, South Holston, and others.
9. Fairview
Located in northwest Williamson County, Fairview is 20 miles southwest of downtown Nashville. With a population of 10,118 people, Fairview has a crime rate of 7.51 per 1,000. Fairview is a special place for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone craving a slower pace with wide open spaces. It’s home to one of Tennessee’s largest and most scenic parks, along with local eats, friendly faces, and a growing creative community.
10. Spring Hill
Spring Hill is a city in Maury and Williamson counties, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of Nashville. With a population of 58,200, the city has a crime rate of only 8.65 per 1,000. Known for its friendly pace, family-focused atmosphere, and a growing list of local shops and eateries, Spring Hill is a community on the rise—without losing its roots.
Top 5 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee
Tennessee has become an increasingly popular destination for retirees. The state offers a low cost of living and does not tax retirement income. Also, the state has beautiful scenery throughout the state including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most popular national park in the country. It also has a relatively mild climate, which retirees often appreciate.
With so many beautiful communities in Tennessee, it can be difficult to narrow down which are the best for retirees. To do that, we looked at factors such as population, share of population 65+, safety, and median home value. To gather this information, we used two primary sources: Niche, and the livability rankings website AreaVibes.
| City | Population | Share of population 65+ | Crime rate | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tellico Village | 6,901 | 66% | 57% lower | $484,900 |
| Germantown | 40,812 | 24% | 36% lower | $441,200 |
| Chattanooga | 182,832 | 17% | 161% higher than the national average | $259,200 |
| Kingston Springs | 2,799 | 23% | 76% lower | $359,300 |
| Crossville | 12,265 | 21% | 32% higher than the national average | $230,300 |
1. Tellico Village
Tellico Village is one of the best retirement communities in Loudon County Tennessee on the western shore of the Tellico Reservoir. It is a planned retirement community, which is why such a large percentage of the population is over age 65.
And the total crime rate is 57% lower than the national average. It features a massive 27,000-square-foot wellness center complete with multiple indoor pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, and other enticing features. But the cost of living overall is quite high, including the cost of housing.
2. Germantown
Germantown is a relatively small city in Shelby County. It has a wealthy, older population, and 24% of residents are over the age of 65. The city has a low crime rate and low healthcare costs compared to the national average. It also has many amenities for seniors and residents including parks golf courses and a tight-knit community. But, Germantown does have an overall high cost of living and housing costs that are higher than the national average.
3. Chattanooga
Chattanooga is located along the Tennessee River and near the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern part of the state, home to 182,832 residents. It's especially appealing for seniors who love beautiful scenery or outdoor recreation, with lush golf courses and a 16-mile Riverwalk.
Chattanooga also has a relatively low cost of living, with a median home price of only $259,200. The biggest downside of Chattanooga, however, is that its crime rate is several times the national average.
4. Kingston Springs
Kingston Springs, located in Cheatham County just 20 miles from downtown Nashville, offers small-town living with easy access to amenities. With attractions like Mace Bluff Recreation Area, Harpeth River State Park, and the Golf Club of Tennessee nearby, plus a quick 30-minute drive to downtown Nashville, it's an ideal spot for retirees. The town also has a violent crime rate 68% lower than the national average and a median home price of $359,300.
5. Crossville
Crossville, located in Cumberland County, is known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee, with major pristine golf courses. It’s also home to Fairfield Glade, a resort-style retirement community offering five golf courses, 25+ miles of trails, 11 lakes, and four pools. With a median home price of $230,300, Crossville is one of Tennessee's most affordable retirement communities. However, its crime rate is higher than the national average, despite its small population.
How to Choose the Right City to Live in Tennessee
Tennessee has many safest cities where families and neighbors feel secure. If you move to places like Nolensville, Signal Mountain, Mount Juliet, or even some of the more affordable safe towns, you can likely enjoy both calm and quality of life.
If you are planning a move, I suggest:
- Check local crime reports and statistics from local police / FBI
- Consider your personal lifestyle requirements and preferences such as commute times to your workplace, school district quality, housing costs
- Proximity to amenities that matter to you, whether that's shopping, healthcare facilities, or outdoor recreation areas
- Visit your potential new city at different times of day and during different seasons to get a comprehensive feel for the community
- Talk to local residents, attend community events, and spend time exploring the neighborhoods you're interested in
- Crime Prevention Starts at Home: With over 50% of all burglaries being residential, one of the best ways to prevent a break-in and get immediate help if one occurs is to install a monitored home security system.
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eufy ExpertSecure System: This is a 24/7 local video alarm system with expert monitoring. You can combine cameras, video doorbell, and sensors into an all-in-one system with 24/7 expert surveillance. I think it's great because you get good quality with complete peace of mind.
- eufy NVR System S4 Max: If you prefer storing your own video data (no cloud), an NVR is ideal. It gives you long-term storage, more control. For someone moving often, or wanting to self-monitor, combining an NVR with a system like eufy gives you visible deterrence plus solid backup.
Conclusion
Although some cities in Tennessee, particularly Memphis and Nashville, have high crime rates, the state still offers plenty of safe and reliable housing options. Nolensville, Signal Mountain, Kingston, and Mount Juliet are among the safest cities in Tennessee.
Seniors can also find many safe, well-equipped, and recreationally rich places to enjoy their retirement. By following key tips for choosing the right city and taking preventive security measures, you'll be able to find the safest and most comfortable place to live in Tennessee.
FAQ
Is Tennessee a safe place to live?
Tennessee can be a safe place to live as long as you focus on finding safe cities and avoid high-risk areas. Although Tennessee has safety challenges: its state-level violent and property crime rates are above U.S. averages, many places to live in Tennessee are much safer than the average state result including Nolensville, Signal Mountain, Kingston, and Mount Juliet.
What is the safest city in Tennessee?
Nolensville is the safest city in Tennessee based on FBI crime data analyzed by SafeHome.org, with only 22 violent crimes reported for every 100,000 people.
What are the safest cities in Tennessee to retire?
Top retirement places include Tellico Village , Germantown, Chattanooga, Kingston Springs and Crossville for their low crime rate, amenities, healthcare access, and cost of living.
Is Nashville safer than Memphis?
Yes, Nashville is safer than Memphis according to the 2024 Crime in the United States report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Its total crime rate of 5,633.6 per 100,000 is 40% lower than Memphis' 9,400.3 per 100,000. Nashville's violent crime rate (1,124.1 per 100,000) is 55% lower, and its property crime rate (4,509.5 per 100,000) is 35% lower than Memphis'.
