Roane County, Tennessee, located in the eastern part of the state, has a population of around 53,000 people. It’s renowned for its rich history, natural beauty, and nuclear facilities.
Nevertheless, like any area, it experiences its fair share of crime and violence. In this article, we’ll delve into the five neighborhoods in Roane County with the highest crime rates, as per data from 2020.
The overall crime rate in Roane County stands at 34.76 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average of 38.02. Nevertheless, certain areas exhibit higher levels of crime, particularly in terms of property and violent offenses.
Property crimes encompass activities like burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, whereas violent crimes involve incidents such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault. According to the data from CrimeGrade.org, the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Roane County are:
Rockwood
Rockwood, situated in the southwest of Roane County along the Emory River, is the largest city in the area, housing approximately 5,400 residents. It holds the highest crime rate in the county at 57.01 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This is predominantly due to a relatively elevated property crime rate of 52.83 per 1,000, coupled with a moderately lower rate of violent crime at 4.18 per 1,000.
Additionally, Rockwood is known for being the historical site of the Roane Iron Company, which was a significant local employer and producer of pig iron in its heyday.
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Harriman
Harriman is a town with approximately 6,300 residents, situated in the middle of the county. It was established in 1890 as a town with a focus on temperance by investors from the northern part of the country.
The town of Harriman experiences a crime rate of 49.21 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it the second highest in the county. Property crimes are relatively high at 46.32 per 1,000, while violent crimes are at a moderate rate of 2.89 per 1,000. Harriman is also notable for its historic downtown area and its close proximity to Watts Bar Lake.
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Kingston
Kingston, with a population of approximately 5,900, is both the county seat and a city located in the northeastern part of the county. It sits at the meeting point of the Clinch River and the Tennessee River.
In terms of safety, Kingston has a crime rate of 42.67 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it the third highest in the county. Property crimes are more common, with a rate of 40.17 per 1,000, while violent crimes are relatively low at 2.50 per 1,000. Kingston is also historically significant as a frontier fort and served as a temporary state capital in 1807.
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Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is a city with around 29,600 residents, situated in the northwestern part of the county. It’s mostly in Anderson County, but a small part is in Roane County. It was established in 1942 as a secret city for the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb in World War II.
Regarding crime, Oak Ridge has a rate of 36.12 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the county’s average. Property crime is moderately prevalent at 30.71 per 1,000, while violent crime is relatively low at 5.41 per 1,000.
Oak Ridge is well-known for its scientific and technological research centers, including the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex.
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Oliver Springs
Oliver Springs is a small town with around 3,200 residents, situated in the northwest part of the county. It spans into both Anderson County and Morgan County. Established in 1821, it started as a town centered around mineral springs. The town’s crime rate is 35.94 per 1,000 residents, a bit higher than the county average.
In terms of specific crime types, it experiences a moderate level of property crime at 31.88 incidents per 1,000, and a low level of violent crime at 4.06 incidents per 1,000.
Additionally, Oliver Springs is known for its picturesque location at the foothills of Walden Ridge and its historical connection to coal mining.
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Conclusion
Here are the five neighborhoods in Roane County, Tennessee, with the highest crime rates in 2020. However, it’s crucial to note that this doesn’t imply these areas are entirely unsafe or unsuitable for living or visiting.
Numerous factors contribute to crime rates, including socioeconomic status, education levels, unemployment rates, population density, police presence, and community involvement. Additionally, crime rates can fluctuate from year to year due to various circumstances and events.
Hence, it’s essential to exercise caution and use common sense when in any area, and promptly report any suspicious or criminal activity to the authorities.
Roane County is a diverse and picturesque region with numerous attractions and opportunities for both its residents and visitors. By staying aware and well-informed, we can all contribute to making it a safer and more prosperous place for everyone.
