Is Knoxville Safe for Travel in 2024?

Safety Score

United States : Safety by City

Knoxville is a city in and the county seat of Knox County in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 United States census, Knoxville’s population was 190,740, making it the largest city in the East Tennessee Grand Division and the state’s third-largest city after Nashville and Memphis. Knoxville is the principal city of the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 869,046 in 2019.

Warnings & Dangers in Knoxville

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Knoxville is not the safest place for travelers, but you can avoid most of the troubles if you use common sense and take precautions.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is well-developed and safe. Taxis are convenient for getting around, but sometimes drivers can rip off tourists at exorbitant prices. Make sure the cab has a taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing happens just like everywhere else - in the area of train stations, in the main squares, and in places where tourists gather. Always keep track of your belongings, do not leave your wallet and phone unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

When it comes to natural disasters, there is a possibility of hurricane seasons, as well as floods during heavy rainfall. Forest fires are also a common occurrence there.

MUGGING RISK : LOW

In the suburbs of Knoxville, local gangs' showdowns occur; there are shootings and kidnappings during these showdowns. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs.

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

The region has become a target for terrorist attacks in the past, so this risk cannot be completely ruled out. Study the political environment and news before your visit here.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Knoxville. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Knoxville for Tourists?

Knoxville is a relatively safe city to travel to.

The crime index here is at an average level.

The main problems are associated with petty theft.

Overall, Knoxville is a relatively safe city.

Take the same precautions as in any other mid-sized American city – for example, lock your car and do not leave valuables in full view of your car.

Care must be taken to navigate low-income city centers.

Avoid areas around University and Fifth Street.

You won’t even want to go there after dark. It’s not at the University of Tennessee.

Be careful when parking in the Old Town area.

It’s right next to the mission area.

It is safe to be outside the districts of Knoxville’s city center, and if they are the victim of a petty crime, it is usually due to their negligence.

Knoxville, like any other big city, has problems and petty crime happens almost daily, but if you keep an eye on your belongings, you will have no problem.

In general, if you are aware of your surroundings, you can go about your day-to-day activities in Knoxville without worrying about your safety.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Knoxville?

Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one visa-exempt country or Visa Waiver Program country. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Knoxville?

The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).

How's the Weather like in Knoxville?

In Knoxville, the summers are long, hot, and muggy; the winters are short, very cold, and wet, partly cloudy year-round. The best times of year to visit Knoxville for warm-weather activities are from mid-May to late June and from early August to early October.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Knoxville?

McGee Tyson Airport is a public/military airport 12 miles south of Knoxville, in Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee, USA. It is named after US Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who died in World War I.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Knoxville?

Knoxville is a city in the state of Tennessee, USA. The third most populous and fifth-largest city in the state; the first state capital. The city was founded in 1786 and named after Henry Knox, Secretary of War in the cabinet of George Washington. From 1797 to 1815, Knoxville was the capital of Tennessee.

Is the Water in Knoxville Safe to Drink?

Tap water is safe to drink.

Is Uber Safe in Knoxville?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a cab from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.