Chattanooga, TN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chattanooga, TN

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Chattanooga crime rate is higher than the national average by 173.6%. Specifically, there were 2077 violent crimes in Chattanooga, equivalent to 1137 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 207.6%. Furthermore, Chattanooga recorded 9534 property crimes, amounting to 5221 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 167.2%.

With a crime rate of 6359 per 100,000 residents, Chattanooga has a crime rate that is 173.58% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Chattanooga that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

With a violent crime rate of 1137 crimes per 100,000 residents, Chattanooga is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Chattanooga ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Chattanooga is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 24 murders in Chattanooga, which equates to 13 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Chattanooga being a very dangerous place to live.

Chattanooga has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5221 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Chattanooga is 1 in 20, which is far higher than the national average.

With a total of 1360 vehicle thefts last year, Chattanooga has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 745 per 100,000 people. This lands Chattanooga in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 135.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chattanooga?

AreaVibes surveyed 224 local residents in Chattanooga to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 43% of people answered that there was very little crime in Chattanooga and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 57% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Chattanooga a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Chattanooga, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Chattanooga presents a total crime rate that is 174% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Chattanooga experiences an average of 31.81 daily crimes, comprising 5.69 violent incidents and 26.12 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Chattanooga Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Chattanooga. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Chattanooga has decreased by 13.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 18.3%, while property crime has decreased by 12.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Chattanooga.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chattanooga

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Chattanooga, 81.3% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Chattanooga, the cost of living is 10.45% lower than the national average.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Chattanooga, there are 3.2 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Chattanooga crime map