Memphis, Tennessee, boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a musical heritage. However, it also grapples with a notable crime issue, particularly in terms of violent incidents.
According to NeighborhoodScout, when it comes to safety, Memphis falls in the lower 18% among U.S. cities, indicating that 82% of cities in the U.S. are safer than Memphis.
With a crime rate of 80.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, Memphis surpasses the national average by more than three times. The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in Memphis stands at 1 in 40, while the likelihood of encountering a property crime is 1 in 18.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that not all neighborhoods in Memphis pose the same level of risk. Some areas exhibit significantly higher crime rates than others, while some are comparatively safer than the citywide average.
In this Article, we’ll delve into the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis based on crime statistics sourced from CrimeGrade.org. These are the Five Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Memphis:
Downtown
Downtown Memphis is known for its attractions like Beale Street, the Peabody Hotel, the FedEx Forum, and the National Civil Rights Museum. It’s densely populated with around 23,000 residents and numerous visitors.
However, it’s also one of the city’s most crime-prone areas. According to CrimeGrade.org, Downtown’s crime rate is 188.7 per 1,000 residents, which is over four times the city’s average and more than seven times the national average. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in Downtown is 1 in 11, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 9.
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Frayser
Frayser, located in North Memphis, spans about 20 square miles. It used to be a thriving suburban area with numerous factories and businesses that offered jobs and income for its residents. However, since the 1980s, Frayser has seen a drop in population, job opportunities, and overall quality of life.
In terms of safety, Frayser has a high crime rate of 113.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is more than twice the city average and over four times the national average. The likelihood of being a victim of violent crime in Frayser is 1 in 15, while the odds of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 13.
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Parkway Village-Oakhaven
Parkway Village-Oakhaven, located in Southeast Memphis, spans approximately 10 square miles. It stands out for its diversity, housing a significant African American population alongside immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. With around 40,000 inhabitants, it ranks among the most densely populated areas in the city.
In terms of safety, Parkway Village-Oakhaven experiences a higher crime rate compared to the city and national averages. Specifically, there are 109.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is over double the city’s average and more than four times the national norm. For residents here, the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 16, and for property crimes, it’s 1 in 13.
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White Haven-Coro Lake
White Haven-Coro Lake, situated in Southwest Memphis, spans approximately 27 square miles and holds a rich history dating back to the 1800s. This area boasts significant landmarks, including Graceland, the former residence and museum of Elvis Presley.
Regrettably, White Haven-Coro Lake experiences a high crime rate of 107.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which surpasses both the city and national averages. Specifically, the likelihood of encountering violent crime here is 1 in 16, and the odds of facing property crime stand at 1 in 14.
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Midtown
Midtown Memphis is a lively and diverse neighborhood in the heart of the city, spanning approximately 8 square miles. It’s known for its rich cultural scene, featuring attractions like Overton Park, the Memphis Zoo, the Brooks Museum of Art, and Cooper-Young.
This area is characterized by a blend of different races, ages, and lifestyles, making it a dynamic community. However, it’s important to note that Midtown Memphis has a relatively higher crime rate compared to the city and national averages.
Specifically, the likelihood of experiencing violent crime here is 1 in 17, and the likelihood of experiencing property crime is 1 in 15.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Sumner County, Tennessee
Conclusion
The five most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis, Tennessee, are Downtown, Frayser, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, White Haven-Coro Lake, and Midtown. These places have crime levels more than double the city average and over four times the national average.
These neighborhoods have seen a drop in population and jobs recently, resulting in more empty houses and run-down areas. This creates an environment that fosters criminal activity.
To tackle the high crime rates in these areas, it’s crucial to invest in economic growth, offer job training and work opportunities, and enhance educational and social services.
It’s also important to deal with the root causes of crime, like poverty and inequality. By collaborating, we can make Memphis a safer community for everyone.
