7 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Memphis
Memphis, known as the music and barbecue capital of Western Tennessee, unfortunately, often finds itself on “most dangerous” lists due to crime. While some areas have seen improvements, much of the city’s reputation is justified. To help you navigate the safer parts of town, we’ve compiled a list of the seven neighborhoods in Memphis with the highest crime rates.
Most Dangerous Memphis Neighborhoods
Downtown – (38.0 violent crimes per 1,000 residents)
Parkway Village-Oakhaven – (34.2 per 1,000)
Berclair-Highland Heights – (29.8 per 1,000)
New Pathways – (29.7 per 1,000)
Riverside – (25.9 per 1,000)
Shelby Forest-Frayser – (20.4 per 1,000)
White Haven-Coro Lake – (19.8 per 1,000)
1. Downtown
Downtown Memphis is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Memphis. While it’s the cultural and economic hub of the city, it also has the highest crime rates. The violent crime rate in Downtown Memphis is a staggering 890% above the national average, with numerous homicides, shootings, and robberies reported each year. The area struggles with issues related to poverty, gang activity, and drug trafficking, making it a challenging environment for residents and visitors alike.
2. Parkway Village-Oakhaven
Parkway Village-Oakhaven is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis, primarily due to its alarmingly high crime rate. Located in the southeastern part of the city, this area struggles with a significant homeless population and an average income well below the poverty line. The local school system also receives low rankings. The violent crime rate in Parkway Village is a staggering 781% above the national average, with numerous shootings and homicides reported each year.
3. Berclair-Highland Heights
Berclair-Highland Heights ranks as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis. Located in east Memphis, this neighborhood has a population of 33,880 and a total crime rate that is 318% higher than the national average. The area is plagued by high levels of violent crime, with frequent shootings, gang activity, robberies, and muggings. In 2022 alone, Berclair-Highland Heights saw 6,813 incidents of property crime, including burglary, car theft, and larceny.
4. New Pathways
New Pathways is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis. Located near downtown, this area has faced high crime rates for decades. With a population of 7,711, the total crime rate in New Pathways is a staggering 300% above the national average. Violent crimes, including shootings and robberies, are frequent occurrences, and the limited police presence only heightens concerns. Walking alone at night is strongly discouraged, and using public transportation in the area can be risky.
5. Riverside
Riverside is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis, located in South Memphis near Martin Luther King Riverside Park. This area has a notably high violent crime rate, with frequent incidents of shootings, robberies, and homicides. The heavy gang presence in Riverside significantly contributes to the crime levels. In addition to violent crimes, property crimes such as theft, burglary, and car break-ins are also common in this neighborhood.
6. Shelby Forest-Frayser
Located just 12 miles north of downtown Memphis, Shelby Forest-Frayser is widely regarded as the most dangerous neighborhood in Memphis. With a population of 34,652, this area has a crime rate that is 285% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate here significantly exceeds the state average, with thousands of violent incidents reported annually. Homicides, shootings, thefts, and robberies are unfortunately common occurrences in Shelby Forest-Frayser.
7. White Haven-Coro Lake
White Haven-Coro Lake is widely recognized as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis. This expansive community, situated in South Memphis, has a population of 88,153. The area’s total crime rate is a staggering 261% higher than the national average, making it a hotspot for both violent and property crimes. In 2022 alone, the neighborhood experienced 5,887 violent crime incidents and 2,592 property crimes. Gang activity, shootings, robberies, and theft are common occurrences, contributing to its reputation. Due to safety concerns, walking through White Haven-Coro Lake at night or using public transit is strongly discouraged.
Is Memphis Safe?
If you’re considering relocating, understanding the safety of your potential new hometown is crucial. How safe is Memphis, really? How prevalent is crime, and what are the odds of becoming a victim? Being informed about the crime rate in Memphis, Tennessee, will help you make a well-informed decision about your move.
Memphis Crime Rate
When evaluating the safety of a city, crime rates offer a fundamental starting point. The FBI’s Crime Data Explorer is a key resource for accessing this information. However, it’s important to remember that standardized crime rates don’t provide a complete picture of a community’s safety, so consider the data with caution.
In 2021, the Memphis Police Department logged approximately 51,000 crime reports. With the city’s population in mind, this translates to an overall crime rate of 80.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. For context, the national average is about 23 crimes per 1,000 people, while Tennessee’s statewide rate, which is higher than average, stands at 29 per 1,000.
