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Vehicle Theft in Knoxville, Tennessee (2026)

297.1 per 100K · 7% below national avg · Grade B-

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Knoxville has a vehicle theft rate of 297.1 per 100K, which is 7% below the national average of 318.3. Grade: B-. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 337 per year.

In 2026, the vehicle theft rate in Knoxville, Tennessee is 297.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 7% below the national average of 318.3. That puts Knoxville's vehicle theft close to the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Vehicle Theft Rate: Knoxville vs State and National Averages

Knoxville
297.1
Tennessee Avg
336.9
National Avg
318.3

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

Your Odds: Vehicle Theft in Knoxville

1 in 337

Approximate chance of being affected by vehicle theft in Knoxville in a given year, based on the rate of 297.1 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 Knoxville

C+
Violent Crime402.0/100K · 11% above avg
C+
Property Crime2174.9/100K · 19% above avg
C+
Burglary338.5/100K · 25% above avg
B-
Theft1385.6/100K · 1% below avg

Vehicle Theft in Nearby Tennessee Cities

CityGradeRate
Chattanooga
C+
375.5
Clarksville
C+
359.5
Murfreesboro
B
195.5
Franklin
B-
308.4
Johnson City
B-
286.7
Jackson
B-
279.6

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Theft in Knoxville

How bad is vehicle theft in Knoxville?
As of 2026, Knoxville's vehicle theft rate of 297.1 per 100K is 7% below the national average. It ranks behind 48% of US cities for vehicle theft.
What is the vehicle theft rate in Knoxville?
As of 2026, 297.1 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 Knoxville?
Crime in Knoxville has trended upward recently, though specific vehicle theft trends may differ from the overall picture.
How does Knoxville's vehicle theft compare to Tennessee?
Knoxville's vehicle theft rate is higher than many Tennessee cities. The rate of 297.1 per 100K is close to the national average.
What are the odds of being a victim of vehicle theft in Knoxville?
Based on the rate of 297.1 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 337 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 Knoxville safe from vehicle theft?
Knoxville is about average for vehicle theft. The rate of 297.1 per 100K is close to the national average. Awareness and normal precautions go a long way.
Back to Knoxville 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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