The 10 Safest Cities In Tennessee To Live In 2026

Feeling safe where you live can change everything about daily life. It shapes how comfortable you feel running errands, raising a family, or simply settling into a new community.

For 2026, several Tennessee cities stand out for their lower reported crime rates and strong overall safety records.

The list includes quiet suburbs, small towns, and growing communities that offer very different lifestyles, so there is no single type of place that dominates.

Some are close to major cities, while others feel much more removed from the rush. What they share is a record that puts them among the safest places to call home in Tennessee based on current crime data.

If safety is high on your list when choosing where to live, these Tennessee cities are worth a closer look.

1. Signal Mountain

High above Chattanooga, the air feels a little calmer, and so do the crime numbers. This mountaintop town sits on the edge of Walden Ridge, with views that stretch across the Tennessee River valley.

Safety here is not a small claim. OpenCrime and AreaVibes both give the town an A+ grade for crime.

The total crime rate is about 526 per 100,000 people, which is 91% lower than the Tennessee average.

Violent crime is especially rare. Recent reporting shows the violent crime rate sitting near zero, and older data puts it around 90 per 100,000 residents.

NeighborhoodScout once estimated a 1 in 1,110 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

There is even a money angle. CrimeGrade.org projects the cost of crime at about $379 per resident each year.

That is $314 less than the state average, which leaves more room in the budget for hiking boots.

Speaking of boots, outdoor fun is a big draw. Trails, bluffs, and quiet wooded streets give families plenty of room to explore.

Kids can ride bikes on peaceful roads while parents enjoy the cool mountain breeze.

Life here moves at a slower, friendlier pace. Neighbors know each other, and community events bring people together often.

Yet downtown Chattanooga is only a short drive down the mountain.

For anyone who wants scenery, safety, and a quick trip to city life, this ridge-top town checks every box.

2. Nolensville

Gold medals usually go to athletes, but this Williamson County town earned one for safety. AreaVibes ranks Nolensville as the safest city in Tennessee for 2026.

The numbers explain why. The town has about 257 total crimes per 100,000 people. Its violent crime rate sits near 50 per 100,000, while the statewide rate is around 628.

Here is a fun one to share at dinner. Nolensville has recorded zero homicides for several tracking years in a row.

SafeHome.org even reported only 22 violent crimes per 100,000 people in May 2026.

Compared to the whole country, the town shines. Crime rates are 87.9% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 86% lower, and property crime is 88.2% lower.

OpenCrime gives the town an A+ safety grade. Better yet, five years of data show crime heading in an improving direction.

That trend is great news for families planning to stay a while.

Beyond the stats, the town keeps its small-town charm. A historic main area, rolling farmland, and new neighborhoods blend together nicely.

Nashville is close enough for work trips and weekend fun.

Growth has been quick, so homes can go fast. Buyers should start their search early and visit different neighborhoods before choosing.

Peaceful streets, friendly faces, and top-ranked safety make this town a strong pick for almost anyone.

3. Brentwood

Big houses, green hills, and low crime make a pretty powerful trio. Just south of Nashville, Brentwood has built a reputation as one of the most secure suburbs around.

AreaVibes shows crime rates 63% below the national average. Violent crime is even better, sitting 84% lower than the country overall.

That is a lot of peace packed into one city.

In the latest report, the city had 26 violent crimes, or about 58 per 100,000 people. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 1,739.

The overall rate lands near 910 per 100,000 residents.

Compare that to the state, and the gap is huge. Brentwood has a violent crime rate of 0.89 per 1,000 residents. The Tennessee average is 5.95.

ZIP code 37027 even holds an A+ safety grade for 2026. Its crime index is 77% below the national average.

Of course, all this comfort comes with a price tag. Median home prices can climb past $750,000.

Families often feel the strong schools and parks make it worth saving up.

Weekends here can be full of trails, playgrounds, and quick drives into Music City. Commuters like the easy access to major roads.

For households wanting polished suburbs with a safety record to match, this city deserves a spot on the shortlist.

4. Collegedale

Some towns improve a little each year. Collegedale made a giant leap instead. Violent crime here dropped by 90.3% from the previous year.

That kind of drop earned attention. OpenCrime gives the city an A+ safety grade and a violent crime rate of just 17.2 per 100,000 residents. Its crime trend is marked as improving.

Niche data backs this up. It lists 17.2 assaults per 100,000 people and zero murders, rapes, or robberies. That is a spotless line for most categories.

Other estimates look a bit different but still positive. Overall crime is about 46% below the national average in 2026. The city also has lower crime rates than 86% of large U.S. cities.

Property crime is low too. The rate is around 11 per 1,000 residents, while Tennessee sits at 20.8. Fewer stolen bikes means more time riding them.

Home to Southern Adventist University, the town has a calm, studious feel. Walking paths, green spaces, and a friendly community make daily life relaxing. Chattanooga is only a short drive away.

Families often enjoy the mix of college energy and quiet neighborhoods. Students and retirees seem to share the space happily.

For a town that keeps getting safer, this one is worth watching closely. Its next chapter looks even brighter.

5. Church Hill

Affordable and safe rarely show up in the same sentence. In Church Hill, they sit side by side like old friends on a porch swing.

This East Tennessee town has about 7,200 residents. It sits in Hawkins County, near the Holston River and plenty of rolling hills. Life here feels simple in the best way.

NeighborhoodScout says the town is safer than 81% of U.S. cities. The overall chance of becoming a crime victim is about 1 in 332. For violent crime, that chance drops to around 1 in 3,655.

Property crime is low as well. The rate is about 4.2 per 1,000 people, well below the state average. Cars and garden gnomes seem to stay right where they belong.

The biggest headline is the recent trend. Year over year, violent crime fell by 79%. Property crime dropped by 50%.

Those gains make a strong case for families on a budget. Housing costs tend to be friendlier than in big metro areas. Kingsport is close for shopping, jobs, and errands.

Nature lovers will find river views and mountain scenery nearby. Weekend picnics and fishing trips are easy to plan.

For anyone dreaming of quiet streets and a smaller mortgage, this town offers a happy balance of both.

6. Kingston

Lake views and low crime make a lovely combination. Kingston sits along Watts Bar Lake in Roane County, and its safety numbers are just as refreshing as the water.

With about 6,077 residents, the city keeps a cozy size. It ranks as the 3rd safest city in Tennessee in one analysis. The total crime rate is about 428 per 100,000 residents.

That number is 94% lower than the Tennessee average. It is also 79.8% below the national average. Those are impressive marks for any town.

In the latest data, there were 8 violent crimes and 19 property crimes. The city recorded zero homicides and no reported rapes. The overall chance of becoming a crime victim is about 1 in 234.

Better still, property crime has declined two years in a row as of 2026. Niche gives the city a B minus grade for crime and safety, so ratings can vary by source.

Fun fact time. Kingston briefly served as the capital of Tennessee for one day in 1807. That is a short term, but a memorable one.

Today, waterfront parks, fishing spots, and walking paths keep residents busy. Knoxville is about 40 minutes away for bigger city needs.

For lakeside living with a small-town heartbeat, this historic spot is easy to love.

7. Oakland

Good policing often starts with good relationships. In Oakland, community policing is a big part of how the town stays calm and secure.

Found in Fayette County, east of Memphis, the town blends open land with growing neighborhoods. Families enjoy more space without drifting too far from city jobs.

The safety numbers are solid. Violent crime is about 1 per 1,000 residents, and property crime is around 5 per 1,000. Both land well below state and national averages.

OpenCrime gives the town an A+ safety grade. It lists a violent crime rate of 72.6 per 100,000 residents.

SpotCrime.io offers a B national grade and an A grade within Tennessee.

Data for 2025 shows violent crime at 115.6 per 100,000 people. That is 64% below the U.S. rate and 77% below the state rate.

The overall crime rate is also 89% lower than the state average.

Different sources use different methods, so numbers shift a bit. Still, they all point in the same happy direction.

Residents like the relaxed pace and friendly vibe. Local parks, schools, and community events help neighbors connect. Memphis attractions are an easy day trip.

Anyone wanting West Tennessee living with room to breathe should give this town a serious look.

8. Fairview

Three years in a row is a streak worth bragging about. Fairview has seen its violent crime rate fall for three straight years, adding up to a 54% total decrease.

This Williamson County town ranks as the 6th safest city in Tennessee in one list. Its total crime rate is about 591 per 100,000 people. That is 90% lower than the state average.

OpenCrime gives Fairview an A safety grade. It lists a violent crime rate of 123.9 per 100,000 residents. The latest data showed zero homicides and zero robberies.

NeighborhoodScout says the town is safer than 61% of U.S. cities. Violent crime runs about 1 per 1,000 people, and property crime about 5 per 1,000.

Like any town, small issues like theft still happen. Simple habits help, such as locking car doors and using porch lights. A little care goes a long way.

Outdoor fans will love Bowie Nature Park. It covers hundreds of acres with trails, lakes, and quiet woods. It is a favorite spot for hikers and dog walkers.

Nashville is within easy driving distance, yet the town keeps a rural, laid-back feel. Homes often come with more land than in busier suburbs.

For families who want nature, improving safety, and elbow room, this town makes a strong case.

9. Maryville

Mountains on the horizon and safety at home sounds like a dream deal. Maryville delivers both, sitting close to the Great Smoky Mountains in Blount County.

This city earns national attention. NeighborhoodScout ranks it among the top 100 safest cities in the U.S. Its crime rate is about 638, compared to the national average of 2,119.

AreaVibes reports crime rates 70% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 63% lower, and property crime is 71.2% lower. Those are healthy numbers for a city of its size.

DoorProfit gives Maryville an A minus safety grade in its 2026 update. The chance of being a violent crime victim is about 1 in 433 each year.

Property crime also took a big dip. It fell by 44% year over year. Fewer missing packages means happier porches.

Life here feels active and welcoming. A long greenway connects parks and neighborhoods for walking and biking. Maryville College adds a lively, learning-focused spirit.

Nature is never far. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive, and Knoxville sits just to the north.

With strong schools, scenic views, and solid safety scores, this city is a smart pick for families and retirees alike.

10. Greenbrier

Quiet mornings and friendly waves are part of daily life in Greenbrier. This Robertson County town offers a peaceful setting north of Nashville.

It ranks as the seventh safest city in Tennessee in one list. AreaVibes reports a crime rate of 619, far below the national average. Overall crime is 70.8% lower than the country as a whole.

Violent crime sits at about 158 per 100,000 people. That is 55.9% below the national average. Property crime is around 460 per 100,000, which is 73.8% lower than average.

The latest reported year showed zero homicides. Even better, violent crime fell by 53% year over year. That is a big step in the right direction.

Residents often point to the southwest part of town as the safest area. Anyone house hunting may want to explore that section first.

Life moves at an easy pace here. Local parks, community events, and open countryside give families room to relax. Nashville is close enough for concerts, jobs, and shopping.

Housing often costs less than in bigger suburbs nearby. That can make the move easier on young families.

For a calm home base with improving safety and small-town warmth, Greenbrier wraps up this list on a very happy note.