Rutherford County, Tennessee, is generally considered a safer area to reside in when compared to many other parts of the United States. However, there are still specific neighborhoods within the county that experience higher levels of crime.
The following list, compiled from recent data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and CrimeGrade.org, highlights the five neighborhoods in Rutherford County with the highest rates of violent crime per 1,000 residents:
Murfreesboro Northwest
This neighborhood in Rutherford County had the highest rate of violent crime in 2019, with 418.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. It encompasses parts of downtown Murfreesboro, where many retail establishments are situated.
Noteworthy historic sites in the area include the Oaklands Mansion, Cannonsburgh Village, and the Stones River National Battlefield, where a significant Civil War battle occurred from 1862 to 1863.
The median household income in this neighborhood is $39,648, which is below the city average of $55,671. The median home value stands at $182,900, also lower than the citywide average of $274,600.
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La Vergne
In 2019, this city recorded the third-highest rate of violent crime in Rutherford County, with 392 incidents per 1,000 residents. Situated near the border with Davidson County, which houses Nashville, it’s noteworthy for this statistic.
The city boasts a median household income of $64,405, surpassing the county average of $62,003. As for housing, the median home value is $224,500, falling below the county average of $274,600.
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Murfreesboro Southeast
This neighborhood, located partly around the Middle Tennessee State University campus where many students reside and study, exhibits the second-highest rate of violent crime in Rutherford County. In 2019, there were 392 incidents per 1,000 residents.
The community is characterized by its youthful and diverse population, with a median age of 25.4 years. The racial makeup comprises 54.7% White, 25.8% Black, 10.4% Hispanic, 5.4% Asian, and 3.7% from other racial backgrounds.
The median household income stands at $40,865, which is below the city’s average of $55,671. Additionally, the median home value is $202,400, also lower than the city’s average of $274,600.
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Smyrna
In 2019, this city recorded the fourth-highest rate of violent crime in Rutherford County, tallying 390.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Situated near the Nashville International Airport and the Nissan manufacturing plant, it maintains a diverse and steady population.
The racial breakdown is 71% White, 18.5% Black, 7.9% Hispanic, 3.1% Asian, and 0.1% belonging to other ethnicities. The median household income stands at $67,167, surpassing the county average of $62,003. Additionally, the median home value in the city is $239,900, slightly below the county average of $274,600.
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Murfreesboro Northeast
In 2019, this neighborhood, encompassing sections of Walter Hill and Lascassas, experienced the fifth-highest rate of violent crime in Rutherford County, recording 340.8 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Despite the concerning crime statistics, the median household income in this area stands at $67,167, surpassing the city’s average of $55,671. Additionally, the median home value mirrors the city’s average at $274,600.
Despite these challenges, the neighborhood offers a serene and picturesque ambiance. It boasts attractions like the Stones River Greenway, Walter Hill Dam, and the Lascassas Farmers Market, making it an appealing place to reside.
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Final Words
These neighborhoods experience elevated levels of violent crime compared to the county’s average of 3.234 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is still lower than the state’s average of 6.29 incidents per 1,000 residents and the national average of 3.7 incidents per 1,000 residents.
It’s important for residents and visitors in these areas to remain vigilant about their surroundings and to implement safety measures to safeguard themselves and their belongings from potential criminal incidents.
