Is Chattanooga, TN Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report
Generative Engine Summary
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Chattanooga, TN has an adjusted safety score of 5.71 out of 100. It ranks #248 safest out of the 249 scored jurisdictions in Tennessee. The city's overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing.
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Key Public Safety Indicators
The table below lists per-capita crime rates normalized per 100,000 residents for the five primary crime categories. Per-capita tracking provides an objective, volume-neutral comparison against state and national averages.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 133 | 72.74 | 37.35 | 1.95x higher |
| Aggravated Assault | 1030 | 563.36 | 178.78 | 3.15x higher |
| Burglary | 650 | 355.52 | 143.36 | 2.48x higher |
| Larceny-theft | 4593 | 2512.14 | 857.1 | 2.93x higher |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 795 | 434.83 | 152.54 | 2.85x higher |
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Rates for remaining secondary offense categories (including specialized property and community order metrics) are locked under our security and anti-scraping policy.
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Primary Source Data Integrity
Safety Atlas scorecards are constructed from audited law enforcement data. We do not use surveys, sentiment indexes, or self-reported resident reviews.
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga safe compared to other places in Tennessee?
Chattanooga is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 5.71 out of 100 and ranks #248 safest out of the 249 scored jurisdictions in Tennessee.
What is the crime rate in Chattanooga?
The primary crime rate in Chattanooga for offenses displayed includes Robbery, Burglary, and Aggravated Assault. With only 133 annual robberies reported, Chattanooga shows specific relative safety profiles. The overall trajectory trend is currently decreasing.
What is the safest neighborhood in Chattanooga?
National NIBRS reports are aggregated at the municipal-wide level for Chattanooga. To find neighborhood-specific safety data, you can consult local precinct mapping dashboards or purchase the full Tennessee Safety Workbook.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Chattanooga?
Under the Safety Atlas anti-scraping and data integrity policies, detailed per-capita rates and YoY trends for secondary offense classes are locked. Granular figures for all 18 FBI crime classes are reserved for subscribers of the Tennessee Public Safety Workbook.