Knox County, Tennessee, boasts a population exceeding 470,000 inhabitants and encompasses an area spanning 526 square miles. The county encompasses Knoxville, which serves as its county seat and stands as the state’s third-largest city.
Knox County boasts a rich historical legacy, a diverse cultural tapestry, and a thriving economic landscape. However, it also grapples with its fair share of criminal activity and violence.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Knox County records a crime rate of 41.95 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 22.86. This ranking positions the county among the least secure 3% of counties in the United States, signifying that 97% of other counties offer a higher level of safety than Knox County.
While criminal incidents are dispersed across the county, certain neighborhoods exhibit a greater susceptibility to criminal activities than others.
Drawing on data from CrimeGrade, which employs a weighted index assessing crime types and their severity to gauge neighborhood desirability, we have pinpointed the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Knox County. These are the locales where residents face the highest probability of encountering violent or property-related crimes.
Lonsdale
Lonsdale, situated in northwest Knoxville, is home to approximately 9,000 residents. Bounded by Western Avenue, Interstate 275, Middlebrook Pike, and Third Creek, it has a rich history as a blue-collar neighborhood, characterized by a significant African American population.
According to CrimeGrade, Lonsdale exhibits a crime rate of 85.64 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the county average. The likelihood of experiencing a crime in Lonsdale stands at 1 in 12.
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East Knoxville
East Knoxville covers a sizable area including various neighborhoods to the east of downtown Knoxville, like Park City, Morningside, Burlington, Holston Hills, and Chilhowee Hills. It is home to approximately 40,000 residents and is recognized for its historical sites, such as the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and the Knoxville Zoo.
According to CrimeGrade, the area reports a crime rate of 88.32 per 1,000 residents, more than twice the county’s average. The likelihood of experiencing crime in East Knoxville is 1 in 11.
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Fort Sanders
Fort Sanders, situated in downtown Knoxville and neighboring the University of Tennessee campus, boasts a population of around 7,000, primarily consisting of students and young professionals. This area is recognized for its historic structures, lively nightlife, and an annual street celebration.
However, it’s also infamous for being one of Knoxville’s most precarious neighborhoods. According to CrimeGrade, Fort Sanders exhibits a crime rate of 91.17 per 1,000 residents, which is over double the county average. The likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Fort Sanders stands at 1 in 11.
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Mechanicsville
Mechanicsville, situated in the northwest of Knoxville, boasts a population of approximately 3,000 residents. This neighborhood stands as one of Knoxville’s oldest and most historically significant areas, boasting numerous structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It holds the distinction of being one of Knoxville’s initial predominantly African American communities, and it played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. According to CrimeGrade, Mechanicsville reports a crime rate of 93.67 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the county’s average. The likelihood of experiencing a crime in Mechanicsville is 1 in 11.
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Western Heights
Western Heights, situated in the northwest of Knoxville, boasts a population of approximately 2,000 residents. Perched atop a hill, it offers a vantage point of downtown Knoxville and is encircled by railroad tracks and industrial zones.
According to statistics from CrimeGrade, Western Heights records a crime rate of 98.51 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average by more than twofold. This translates to a 1 in 10 chance of falling victim to crime within the area.
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Final Words
Here are the top five neighborhoods in Knox County considered to be the most dangerous. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that crime is just one element influencing the overall livability of a neighborhood.
Additional factors like educational opportunities, healthcare, environmental conditions, cultural amenities, and community engagement also play a pivotal role in determining a neighborhood’s appeal.
For this reason, we recommend conducting your own research and personally exploring these neighborhoods before finalizing any decisions regarding residence or visitation in Knox County.
