Gatlinburg, TN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gatlinburg, TN

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Gatlinburg is 61.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 18 violent crimes reported in Gatlinburg, equivalent to 465 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 25.7%. Additionally, Gatlinburg recorded 127 property crimes, amounting to 3279 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 67.8%.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Gatlinburg stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Gatlinburg, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 26 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Gatlinburg?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Gatlinburg residents. Out of the respondents (61 in total), 69% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Gatlinburg were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 31% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Gatlinburg a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Gatlinburg is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Gatlinburg has an overall crime rate that is 61% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.4 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.35 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Gatlinburg as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Gatlinburg Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Gatlinburg crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Gatlinburg has decreased by 5.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 28% and property crime has decreased by 1.6%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gatlinburg

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Gatlinburg, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Gatlinburg, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 12.35, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Gatlinburg, the average monthly rent stands at $803, while the national average is $949 per month.

Gatlinburg crime map