Is Memphis really a hotbed for homicides, crimes, and robberies in 2026?
We conducted extensive research across reliable sources to provide you with the latest statistics. Whether it was sifting through the Memphis police department and the FBI reports, opinions from legal experts, or information from residents, we give you the safest neighborhoods and practical tips to help you confidently affirm that Memphis is indeed a safe city!
If you plan to visit Memphis or want to relocate for better business opportunities, we have done the legwork for you!
Yes, Memphis indeed does face challenges related to crime. It’s important to understand that it’s a complex city with vibrant neighborhoods. By being aware of your surroundings, following safety guidelines, and choosing your destinations wisely, you can safely enjoy your visit to Memphis without undue worry.
Ready to explore the safe side of Memphis? Let’s start!
Safety comparison: Memphis vs. other cities:
A 2022 report by Statista shows crime rates in Memphis as compared to other big cities. Memphis topped the list with 2420 violent crimes! That was the year when the FBIdeclared Memphis the most dangerous city!
But 3 years later, Memphis is safer than major cities across the USA!
Crime statistics for Memphis 2023 vs 2024:
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program and the National Incident-Based Reporting System analyze crime statistics for the period from January 1 to June 30, comparing the data for both 2024 and 2023.
| Crimes in Memphis | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Homicides | 129 | 156 |
| Rapes | 167 | 184 |
| Robbery | 1028 | 1420 |
| Assault | 3763 | 3789 |
We see a decrease in homicides from 156 in 2023 to 129 in 2024. Rape incidents also decreased from 184 to 167. There was a significant drop in robberies from 1,420 to 1,028 incidents. Assaults showed a minor reduction from 3,789 to 3,763.
But overall the situation looks under control!
Robbery stats in Memphis 2024:
The first six months of robbery data for 2024 is shown above.
The comparison of crime data of Memphis with other top 4 cities shows that Dallas.
has the highest level of crime among the four cities.
Washington DC and Memphis are almost at the same crime level!
And Detroit seems to be much safer!
Crime index Memphis 2025:
Memphis police are presenting 2025 as a year of significant crime decrease. Through the first eight months of the year, overall crime is reported at a 25-year low, with every major category down, including robbery, burglary, and larceny at historic lows.
Weaponized assaults and murders are at a six-year low.
Yet, the Council on Criminal Justice, using multi-city comparative data through mid-2025, presents a more mixed and cautious picture.
While Memphis has seen meaningful recent declines in offenses such as robbery, burglary, carjacking, and motor vehicle theft compared to recent peaks, it still stands out nationally for very high homicide rates, elevated motor vehicle theft compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the highest gun theft rate among large U.S. cities in available data.
Here’s what the mid-year crime 2025 report tells us
Homicide rate in Memphis 2025:
Homicides were 4% lower in the first half of 2025 than in 2024, but still 58% higher than 2019, with a rate of 20.6 per 100,000 residents.
Robbery rate in Memphis, 2025:
Robbery fell 18% year over year and is now 23% lower than 2019, down from a peak of 231.5 to 138.8 per 100,000.
Carjacking rate in Memphis 2025:
Carjacking dropped 34% from 2024 and is 45% lower than 2019, falling 67% from its 2022 peak to 10.6 per 100,000.
Motor vehicle theft rate in Memphis 2025:
Auto theft fell 36% year over year and 56% from its 2023 peak, but remains 100% higher than 2019 at 577.8 per 100,000.
The above stats seem a bit promising right?
Let’s explore whether people are still interested in visiting Memphis today.
Is Memphis safe for tourists?
Yes, the simple answer is Memphis is safe for travel now in 2026 (our research tells us!)
Do you know that the safety of a place can be determined by finding out exactly how many people have happily visited Memphis over the years!
Key attractions such as Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Memphis Zoo continued to draw significant numbers of tourists throughout the years.
Well, the Memphis tourism data shows:
- In 2021, 10.7 million people visited and over 4.1 million hotel rooms were booked!
- In 2022, 11 million people visited Memphis.
- In 2023, Memphis welcomed 12 million visitors, which had a local economic impact of $4 billion!
- In 2025, 13 million people have already visited Memphis.
It means that the Memphis police were able to secure millions of people entering Memphis and leaving safely back to their homes!
Kevin Kane, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism said,
“These numbers show 2023 was a fantastic year for Memphis tourism. We saw a substantial return of visitors who were eager to experience the unique cultural and historical offerings of our city.”
A few more surprising facts about Memphis:
Memhis was named on the global list of 23 places to visit in 2023. And Memphis was one of the only 2 destinations in the U.S! Shocking huh!
And to shock you even more:
- In 2021, Memphis was listed as one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by Time Magazine.
- In 2019, Memphis was on the list of Frommer’s “Best Places to Go”.
- In 2018, Memphis was in the Fodor’s “Go List”.
So it’s not really that unsafe. There are particular neighborhoods that you should steer clear of!
As local Micheal Wheeler, who has lived in Memphis since 1984, says:
“Memphis is very safe for visitors. Just stick to the highly populated areas, and don’t go wandering off/ The same rules apply for any big city. It gets on my nerves sometimes when people always say I live in one of the most dangerous cities in the world. I thought that was Chicago or Brooklyn, New York, or something.”
Is Memphis safe for residents?
The security of a particular neighborhood is about leaving an unlocked house or car door for a few minutes and coming back to it as it is! Maybe leave your phone on charge in your car while you go to the store.
You should be able to go for a run late at night to get some cardio in. Or your kids can walk across town to the park or school with no problem. If you forget FedEx packages on your doorstep one day, they will still be there the next.
But let us find out what the locals who have spent decades in Memphis’s new neighborhoods have to say, anyway!
Van Philips, who has been living in Memphis since 2016, says, As with most urban cities, there are areas where gang and drug activities take place. But, even Beale Street can be dangerous after 1 a.m., when it’s full of very late-night drunks!
Is Memphis a safe bet for business?
The Memphis Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) highlights the city’s significant role as a major logistics and distribution hub, which greatly contributes to its economic stability.
EDGE is dedicated to driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.
According to a 2023 report from the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, the city provides competitive commercial real estate prices and access to a skilled workforce, both essential for business success.
Two success factors in Memphis:
- Memphis is at a strategic location! Memphis is a major transportation junction. FedEx chose Memphis as its hub! It has a critical intersection of major highways and railroads. “Memphis’s central location provides unparalleled logistics advantages, making it an attractive site for distribution and manufacturing businesses,” says logistics expert Dr. Alex Turner.
- Memphis’s lower cost of real estate and labor compared to cities like New York or San Francisco makes it a cost-effective location for new and established businesses.
Memphis provides the safest incentives for businesses, including tax credits and grants. According to a 2023 survey by Business Facilities, Memphis ranks among the top cities for business incentives in the Southeast.
One of the challenges facing Memphis is its higher crime rate compared to national averages.
While Memphis has many attractive features for businesses, the high crime rate in some areas can be a concern for business owners and employees.
Memphis safety map:
The darkest blue areas are considered the MOST DANGEROUS, while the lighter blue areas are considered SAFER!.
If we study the map we see that the southern and western part of Memphis seem more dangerous or prone to crime!
Safest neighborhoods of Memphis:
Based on the map, the safest areas in Memphis appear to be:
- Arlington: Located in the northeast corner of the city.
- Collierville: Located in the eastern suburbs.
- Germantown: Located in the northern suburbs.
- Oak Ridge: Located in the northwest corner of the city.
- Olive Branch: Located in the southern suburbs.
- Southaven: Located in the southern suburbs.
Niche also shares its views on the safest and coolest areas to live in Memphis.
Germantown, Collierville, and Midtown are at the top of the list due to lower crime statistics!
Germantown is known for its well-maintained parks, strong community policing, and low crime rates. Collierville benefits from its affluent status, tight-knit community, and effective local law enforcement.
Midtown offers a blend of historic charm and active neighborhood watch programs, contributing to its safety.
The secret to the safest neighborhoods in Memphis?
Police Chief C.J. Davis reveals the secret to the safest neighborhoods in Memphis.
She recently spoke about the success of a crime-fighting initiative called Operation Zero. She didn’t open up much about the data but she confirmed: “Crime is down across the city. Auto thefts are down 30 percent.”
Now, check out the hot crime beds of Memphis:
The most dangerous neighborhoods of Memphis:
The most dangerous areas in Memphis appear to be:
- Downtown Memphis: The central business district.
- Frayser: A neighborhood in the northern part of the city.
- Whitehaven: A neighborhood in the southern part of the city.
Want to see how Memphis compares to other high-crime cities across the country? Check out our full guide: Most dangerous cities in the US 2025.
Memphis is a big city, so it’s spread out, and while there are sketchy and even dangerous areas, most places are relatively safe.
What do the locals say:
While Debra Plunket feels safe in Memphis, another local, Regan Sanders, who has lived in Memphis for 22 years says:
Shelley who has lived in Memphis since 1975 shares an interesting point of view:
“Avoid buying or selling illegal items, getting involved in gangs, behaving disrespectfully in public, and leaving your car unattended or unlocked in the city. By acting so I have never been robbed or faced any difficulty walking at night!”
What is the government doing to make Memphis safer?
- The Memphis Police Department is working hard to make sure crime doesn’t have a place in their city. They are holding monthly crime summits to provide valuable crime prevention tips to business owners.
- Former Downtown Memphis Commission President and CEO, Young, launched a focused strategy to cut crime: targeting the tiny percentage of citizens responsible for a huge percentage of the city’s crime. They negotiated a week-long cease-fire with top gang leaders – an effort recognized nationally.
- Mayors of the cities nationwide consider various alternatives to address and reduce crimes. Plans varied, ranging from community violence intervention programs to incorporating mental health resources with law enforcement.
- Memphis Police’s latest crime-fighting strategy involves deploying large teams of officers into a high-crime area.
How to stay safer in Memphis in 2026?
Proactive detection and swift action by live remote video monitoring services are also ways to help ensure safer businesses in Memphis!
Because staying safe is not a one-time thing; you need security 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you live in the suburbs, downtown, or even the northern parts of Memphis!
If you want the safety of your business, people, and assets all at once, then third-party reliance is the only way out.
With AI-powered remote video monitoring, CCTV surveillance cameras detect security breaches such as intrusions, brandished guns and violence, and even smoke and fire. Detection accuracy is the only way to deal with the problem swiftly.
The alarm is triggered at the live video monitoring center when the camera AI detects these vulnerabilities. Here, the qualified remote operators spring into action. They access your CCTV cameras, assess the situation, and take action in accordance with each client’s SOPs.
These criminals are either dealt with by direct voice interventions through on-site speakers or by calling the police or required authorities as per client SOPs.
city operations. Boost
citizen satisfaction.
AI-powered remote video monitoring safeguards your
city’s people, operations, and infrastructure.
AI-powered remote video monitoring safeguards your city’s people, operations, and infrastructure.
Read our latest blogs to find out how the residents of Atlanta, Washington D.C., Detroit, Dallas and even the areas around it are staying safer with remote video monitoring!
- Is Dallas safe? Crime rate and safest neighborhoods.
- Is Washington DC safe for tourists and residents? 2024 update.
- Is Detroit Safe? A Comprehensive Look at 2024 Crime Rates.
- Atlanta crime rate stats & safest neighborhoods: 2025 insights.
- Top Safest Cities in North Carolina: Where to Live in 2024.
Conclusion:
In 2023, Memphis had a high crime index compared to other cities, but in 2026 we can see improvement in crime statistics such as:
- Robberies have dropped significantly and are now well below 2019 levels.
- Carjackings are down sharply and have fallen faster than in many other large cities.
- Residential and commercial burglaries have declined and remain far below past peaks.
- Larceny and theft are down from recent highs but are still common citywide.
- Motor vehicle theft is decreasing
- Tourist Safety: Memphis is deemed safe for tourists, with increased visitor numbers and high-profile attractions.
- Safest Neighborhoods: Areas like Germantown, Collierville, and Midtown are noted for their lower crime rates.
- Most Dangerous Neighborhoods: Downtown Memphis, Frayser, and Whitehaven are considered higher-risk areas.
Keep your business safe with our live remote video monitoring services in Memphis and nearby locations. Get 24/7 protection, contact us today for a free consultation!
