Blount County, located in the eastern region of Tennessee, is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. It encompasses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Maryville. However, it’s important to note that not all areas within Blount County share the same level of safety and tranquility.
Recent crime statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and CrimeGrade.org reveal discrepancies in crime rates across different neighborhoods within Blount County. The following are the five neighborhoods with the highest incidence of both violent and property crimes per capita in the year 2020:
Alcoa
Alcoa, established in 1919 as a company town for the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), is located in Blount County. It has a population of 10,128 and exhibits a crime rate of 4,778.7 incidents per capita. This rate is notably the highest in Blount County, surpassing the national average by more than twice.
In terms of specific crime categories, Alcoa records a per capita rate of 787.2 for violent crimes and 3,991.5 for property crimes. These figures also represent the highest rates within the county.
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Rockford
Rockford, located in Blount County, is home to 805 residents. Its crime rate stands at 1,240.7 incidents per capita, making it the second-highest in the county, and just slightly above the national average.
When it comes to specific crime types, Rockford reports a negligible rate of violent crimes per capita (0), and a property crime rate of 496.9 incidents per capita. These figures are the lowest in the county. Nevertheless, due to its small population size, even a few incidents can significantly influence the overall crime rate.
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Maryville
Maryville, located in Blount County, serves as the county seat and is its largest city. It boasts a population of 23,559, with a crime rate of 1,723.6 incidents per capita. This places it as the third-highest in the county, just below the national average.
In terms of specific crime types, Maryville reports a per capita rate of 149.6 for violent crimes and 1,574 for property crimes, both ranking as the third-highest in the county as well.
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Townsend
Townsend, situated in Blount County, is often referred to as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” due to its close proximity to the national park and its quaint rural atmosphere. With a population of 246, the town has a crime rate of 2,690.6 per capita, ranking it fourth-highest in the county and notably surpassing the national average.
In terms of specific crime types, Townsend stands out with a violent crime rate of 0 per capita and a property crime rate of 2,690.6 per capita, both of which are the second-lowest in the county. However, it’s worth noting that due to its small population, even a small number of incidents can significantly affect the overall crime rate.
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Louisville
Louisville, situated in Blount County along the Tennessee River, boasts several lakefront neighborhoods. The town has a population of 2,439, with a crime rate of 1,098.8 per capita. This places it as the fifth-highest in the county, slightly below the national average.
In terms of specific crime categories, Louisville experiences 57.8 violent crimes per capita and 1,041 property crimes per capita, both of which rank as the fifth-highest in the county.
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Conclusion
While these five neighborhoods may not be inherently unsafe or undesirable for residents or visitors, they do exhibit higher crime risks compared to other areas in Blount County.
It is advisable for individuals to remain vigilant of their surroundings and implement necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their belongings from potential criminal activity.
