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Vehicle Theft in Chattanooga, Tennessee (2026)

375.5 per 100K · 18% above national avg · Grade C+

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Chattanooga has a vehicle theft rate of 375.5 per 100K, which is 18% above the national average of 318.3. Grade: C+. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 266 per year.

In 2026, the vehicle theft rate in Chattanooga, Tennessee is 375.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 18% above the national average of 318.3. That puts Chattanooga's vehicle theft above the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Vehicle Theft Rate: Chattanooga vs State and National Averages

Chattanooga
375.5
Tennessee Avg
336.9
National Avg
318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI UCR data.

Your Odds: Vehicle Theft in Chattanooga

1 in 266

Approximate chance of being affected by vehicle theft in Chattanooga in a given year, based on the rate of 375.5 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Vehicle Theft?

Motor vehicle theft is the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and ATVs. It does not include taking a vehicle for temporary use when abandoned by the offender.

Other Crime Types in Chattanooga

C+
Violent Crime434.7/100K · 19% above avg
B-
Property Crime1928.9/100K · 5% above avg
B-
Burglary219.9/100K · 18% below avg
B-
Theft1194.4/100K · 15% below avg

Vehicle Theft in Nearby Tennessee Cities

CityGradeRate
Clarksville
C+
359.5
Knoxville
B-
297.1
Murfreesboro
B
195.5
Franklin
B-
308.4
Johnson City
B-
286.7
Jackson
B-
279.6

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Theft in Chattanooga

How bad is vehicle theft in Chattanooga?
As of 2026, Chattanooga's vehicle theft rate of 375.5 per 100K is 18% above the national average. It ranks behind 56% of US cities for vehicle theft.
What is the vehicle theft rate in Chattanooga?
As of 2026, 375.5 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 318.3 per 100K.
Is vehicle theft increasing in Chattanooga?
Crime in Chattanooga has trended upward recently, though specific vehicle theft trends may differ from the overall picture.
How does Chattanooga's vehicle theft compare to Tennessee?
Chattanooga's vehicle theft rate is higher than many Tennessee cities. The rate of 375.5 per 100K is above the national average.
What are the odds of being a victim of vehicle theft in Chattanooga?
Based on the rate of 375.5 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 266 residents could be affected by vehicle theft in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Chattanooga safe from vehicle theft?
Chattanooga is about average for vehicle theft. The rate of 375.5 per 100K is above the national average. Awareness and normal precautions go a long way.
Back to Chattanooga safety overviewHow we calculate grades

2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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