What is the Crime Rate in Nashville, Tennessee?
Nashville, Tennessee, known for its vibrant music scene, delicious hot chicken, and cowboy boot-clad country music fans, is also home to a growing population of approximately 691,084 residents (as of 2020). Like many other cities, Nashville struggles with crime, which is a concern for both residents and visitors. In this article, we’ll dive into the crime rate in Nashville, Tennessee, exploring the types of crimes committed, the most affected neighborhoods, and the efforts being made to combat crime in Music City.
Overview of Crime Rate in Nashville
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the overall crime rate in Nashville has been trending downwards in recent years. In 2020, Nashville saw a total of 49,651 reported crimes, which translates to a crime rate of 7,194.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. While this is a significant reduction from the 2017 high of 8,449.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, there is still work to be done to ensure public safety.
Types of Crimes Committed in Nashville
The most common crimes reported in Nashville are:
• Property crimes (34,441, 69.2% of total crimes): burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson
• Violent crimes (14,210, 28.6% of total crimes): aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder
Within the property crime category, burglary and larceny-theft are the most frequent types of crimes, making up 65.2% of all reported property crimes.
Neighborhoods with High Crime Rates
Some of the most affected neighborhoods in Nashville in terms of crime rates include:
• Cape Cod: This area, located in the northeast part of the city, saw 1,444 reported crimes in 2020, with a crime rate of 10,345.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
• East Nashville: With a crime rate of 9,512.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, East Nashville saw 1,354 reported crimes in 2020.
• North Nashville: This neighborhood, located near downtown, had a crime rate of 8,853.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, with 1,264 reported crimes in 2020.
Efforts to Combat Crime in Nashville
To address the ongoing issue of crime, Nashville has implemented various initiatives:
• Nashville Crime Task Force: Established in 2016, this task force combines efforts from local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes.
• Neighborhood Watches: Many neighborhoods in Nashville have organized neighborhood watches to provide an extra set of eyes and ears for the community.
• Crime-Fighting Initiatives: The Nashville Police Department (NPD) has implemented programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing gun violence and addressing gang activity.
• Community Engagement: NPD has increased community engagement efforts through Town Hall Meetings and Community Forums to better understand and address residents’ concerns.
Additional Statistics and Trends
- Crime Rate Change: The overall crime rate in Nashville has decreased by 14.1% since 2017.
- Clearance Rates: The clearance rate for violent crimes in Nashville stands at 44.8%, while for property crimes, it is 24.5%.
- Demographic Trends: According to the Nashville Metro Police Department’s 2020 annual report, 64.3% of crime victims are between the ages of 18 and 49, while 71.4% of arrests are of males.
- Gun Violence: According to the Gun Violence Archive, Nashville saw 121 firearm-related homicides in 2020, accounting for 25.2% of all homicides in the city.
In conclusion, while Nashville, Tennessee, still struggles with crime, the overall trend shows a decline in reported crimes. Efforts from the Nashville Police Department and the community are underway to address crime, including increased community engagement, neighborhood watches, and crime-fighting initiatives. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential to stay vigilant and work together to ensure public safety. By understanding the types of crimes committed, the most affected neighborhoods, and the initiatives in place, we can better navigate the city and work towards a safer future for all residents and visitors.
