Memphis has long been a city steeped in rich culture, soulful music, and undeniable history. It’s the birthplace of blues and a beacon of resilience. But for many Memphians, as well as observers from the outside, the focus often lands squarely on one glaring issue: Memphis’ crime rate..
Yes, Memphis faces challenges. Yet the city’s story is much bigger, more nuanced, and inspiring. Beneath sensational headlines lies a community in motion, improving, revitalizing, and blazing a path toward progress.
This post is not about denial; it’s about facing facts and celebrating the forward momentum of Memphis. By the end of this piece, you’ll understand how both the numbers and this city’s soul show Memphis isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving.
Is Memphis Safe?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Memphis is often cited in conversations about crime, poverty, and blight. And those discussions aren’t entirely unwarranted. In 2023, Memphis faced a historic high in crime. But in 2024 and 2025, the numbers are going down dramatically, with the citywide crime rate decreasing 15% year-over-year
That didn’t happen by accident. We doubled down on enforcement and invested in prevention—supporting community groups, youth outreach, and real alternatives. Translation: We’re fighting crime on both ends—addressing root causes and responding to immediate threats.
Memphis is taking actionable steps to curb crime and invest in its underserved communities.
Memphis Crime Stats: A Look at the Numbers
Recent crime statistics reflect this positive shift:
- Downtown Memphis has seen a nearly 30% year-over-year reduction in crime.
- Citywide crime is down 15% year-over-year.
- Taking a deeper look (May 2024 to May 2025):
- Aggravated Assault is down 15%
- Robbery is down 18%
- Sexual Assault is down 18%
- Non-Fatal Shooting incidents are down 30%
- Homicides are down 32%
- Motor Vehicle Theft is down 37%
These improvements aren’t coincidental. They’re the result of holistic efforts centered around law enforcement alongside community intervention, youth engagement programs, and significant investments in mental health and neighborhood revitalization. Memphis understands that long-term change stems from building trust, expanding opportunities, and addressing the root causes of crime.
Memphis Momentum: Progress By The Numbers
When it comes to how Memphis is perceived, there’s good news. Inside and outside city limits, opinions about Memphis are on the rise, proving that the city’s forward march isn’t going unnoticed:
Within Memphis (2017–2024):
- A majority of residents believe Memphis is becoming a great place to live and work (up 11 percentage points).
- Fewer people describe the tone of information they hear about Memphis as negative (down 13 percentage points).
Key Markets (NYC, CHI, ATL, SFO, DAL) (2019–2024):
- Over 65% of residents in these key cities are familiar with Memphis is up 16 percentage points.
- Favorability of Memphis is up 22 points among these residents, with nearly 70% having a positive opinion of Memphis.
- A majority of these residents are hearing positive information about Memphis, up 13 percentage points.
Nationwide (2019–2024):
- Familiarity with Memphis is up 16 percentage points.
- 60% of the national audience has favorability toward Memphis is up 14 percentage points in the last five years. Importantly, only 7% have negative feelings about Memphis.
- Positive information heard about Memphis is up 13 points.
- 70% of millennials find Memphis “extremely” or “very appealing” for the creatives.
These numbers tell a critical story. Memphis isn’t just building a better city for its own people; it’s also garnering respect and admiration from others.
What Gives Memphis Its Edge? Soul.
If there’s one word that unites Memphians, it’s “soul.” And this isn’t just a catchy tagline; it represents good, heart, people, and character that people deeply believe in. 97% of people have a positive connection with the concept of “soul.”
- Over 80% of Memphians agree Memphis is a city with “soul” (up 19 percentage points).
- 77% of people nationwide agree Memphis is a city that has soul, up 12 points in five years.
- Over 80% of residents of cities including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and the Bay Area agree that Memphis is a city with “soul.” — up 21 percentage points.
Creativity, authenticity, and resilience define Memphis. You feel it with every local artist, community leader, and entrepreneur who reinforces the city’s culture of grit and transformation.
From legendary music icons to flourishing Black-owned businesses, Memphis thrives at the intersection of history and innovation. It’s a city that continuously reinvents itself while staying true to its roots.
Actions Speak Louder than Words
It’s easy for any city to claim they’re making progress, but Memphis is walking the talk.
Memphis’ strategy is rooted in accountability, transparency, and action. Here’s how the city is driving lasting change:
1. Investing in Communities
Neighborhoods affected most by crime are receiving targeted investment. Projects include blight removal, affordable housing initiatives, and economic development programs.
2. Engaging with Youth
Through mentorship programs and access to resources, Memphis is giving young people options to thrive outside of crime. Organizations guiding this work understand that listening to youth and providing opportunities decreases the chances of them being drawn into harmful activity.
3. Fostering Real Conversations
Leaders in Memphis, from grassroots activists to local government, are choosing honesty over defensiveness. Mayor Paul Young encapsulated this attitude perfectly when he said, “You can’t fix what you won’t face.”
This fearless candor has created space for open dialogue within the community and with key stakeholders nationwide.
A City in Its Era of Yes
Memphis is leaning into opportunity, taking a proactive “Era of Yes” approach:
- Yes to Accountability: Owning our weaknesses so we can fix them.
- Yes to Honest Conversations: Facing hard truths with the courage to pivot.
- Yes to Doing Better Together: Strengthening communities one collaborative effort at a time.
Take a walk-through Memphis today, and you’ll see new businesses emerging, colorful murals adorning old brick walls, and neighbors who are building something greater than themselves. Memphis isn’t just changing for the better; it’s a city worth believing in.
Moving Forward Together
Memphis has its challenges, but the numbers, the progress, and the people tell a more complete story. We’re not turning a blind eye to the obstacles. We’re determined to elevate this city one honest conversation and collaborative action at a time.
You can help! Get informed and be a champion for our city with our Why Memphis Guide.
You have a chance to be part of this era of progress and pride. Share stories of Memphis’ soul, highlight its successes, and invest in its forward momentum. Whether you’re a Memphian or just a supporter from afar, know this:
This isn’t a city in denial. Memphis is a city in motion.
Join us.
