Madison County, Tennessee, situated in the western part of the state, had a population of roughly 97,984 as of 2020. Its county seat is Jackson, which is both the largest city in the county and the eighth-largest in Tennessee.
The county is renowned for its historical and cultural landmarks, including the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum, and the West Tennessee Farmers Market.
Nevertheless, Madison County does have pockets that may not be as secure for both residents and visitors. According to 2019 crime data, the county’s overall crime rate stands at 4,881 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 2,476 per 100,000 residents.
For violent crime, the rate is 971 per 100,000 residents, which is over four times the national average of 367 per 100,000 residents. The property crime rate is 3,910 per 100,000 residents, also exceeding the national average of 2,110 per 100,000 residents.
Given these statistics and considering other factors like poverty rate, unemployment rate, and educational attainment, we’ve pinpointed the five most precarious neighborhoods in Madison County.
These areas are where the likelihood of being a victim of crime or facing other social challenges is higher. Here are the five most precarious neighborhoods in Madison County:
Bemis
Bemis, located in the southern part of Jackson, was once a bustling industrial hub, boasting a cotton mill and a railway station. However, following the mill’s closure in 1991, Bemis experienced a decline both economically and socially.
Presently, Bemis is home to approximately 2,146 residents, with a poverty rate of 32.4%, an unemployment rate of 10.1%, and a median household income of $25,833.
The community also grapples with a notable crime rate, tallying 1,472 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019. Of these, 1,003 were classified as violent crimes and 469 as property crimes per 100,000 residents.
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East Union
East Union, situated in the northeast part of Jackson, is primarily characterized by its rural and agricultural landscape. The neighborhood is home to approximately 3,059 residents, with a poverty rate of 25.7%, an unemployment rate of 8.3%, and a median household income of $36,250.
Furthermore, East Union experiences a notable incidence of crime, registering 1,366 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019. This included a violent crime rate of 1,006 per 100,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 360 per 100,000 residents.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Jackson County, Missouri
Allenton Heights
Allenton Heights, situated in central Jackson, stands as one of the city’s oldest and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. It is home to approximately 2,021 residents, with a poverty rate of 49.6%, an unemployment rate of 15.6%, and a median household income of $17,500.
Moreover, Allenton Heights grapples with a significant crime issue, tallying 1,259 reported incidents per 100,000 residents in 2019. Among these, the rate of violent crimes stood at 1,009 per 100,000 residents, while property crimes were at 250 per 100,000 residents.
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Five Points
Five Points, situated in the southeast of Jackson, derives its name from the convergence of five streets: Lexington Avenue, Whitehall Street, Hollywood Drive, Campbell Street, and Airways Boulevard.
The neighborhood is home to approximately 2,636 residents, with a poverty rate of 28.8%, an unemployment rate of 9.7%, and a median household income of $29,167.
Moreover, Five Points grapples with a substantial crime rate, recording 1,213 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2019. Among these, the violent crime rate stood at 1,006 per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate was 207 per 100,000 residents.
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Hatchie
Hatchie is a residential and suburban neighborhood located in the northwest part of Jackson. It is home to approximately 3,507 residents, with a poverty rate of 20.6%, an unemployment rate of 7.2%, and a median household income of $41,250.
Additionally, Hatchie experiences a relatively high incidence of crime, recording 1,201 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019. Among these, the violent crime rate stood at 1,003 per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate was 198 per 100,000 residents.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Worst Neighborhoods in Worland, Wyoming
Final Words
Here are the five neighborhoods in Madison County, Tennessee, that currently face the highest safety concerns, as indicated by available data and information. However, it’s crucial to remember that these areas have potential for positive change and improvement.
Various endeavors and programs are underway to enhance the well-being and security of these neighborhoods, including community policing, neighborhood watch initiatives, social support services, and economic development efforts.
Furthermore, these neighborhoods boast positive attributes and strengths, such as their cultural richness, deep historical roots, local enterprises, and active community involvement. Therefore, while it’s essential to acknowledge the existing challenges and risks, it’s equally important to appreciate the promise and possibilities they hold.
