KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Violent and property crime continue to trend downward in Knoxville, with the Knoxville Police Department reporting historically low crime levels across multiple categories in 2026.
According to statistics released by KPD, homicides in Knoxville are down 36% compared to the same point last year. The department also noted that all seven homicide suspects connected to cases this year have been arrested.
Police say non-fatal shootings have also declined significantly. Through this point in the year, non-deadly shootings are down 30% compared to 2025.
KPD emphasized that the declining numbers represent more than statistical improvements.
“Those are not just numbers on a spreadsheet,” the department said. “Those are lives saved and members of community spared from the lasting impact of being wounded in a non-fatal shooting.”
Property Crimes Also Declining
The department reported substantial reductions in property crime throughout Knoxville.
According to KPD, reported vehicle burglaries are down 44% year-to-date, including a 46% decrease in the Central District, which encompasses much of Downtown Knoxville.
Auto thefts also continue to trend downward, with police reporting a 25% reduction in vehicle thefts compared to last year.
In addition, reports of burglary and breaking-and-entering incidents have fallen, contributing to an overall reduction in property crime citywide.
Across all categories, KPD said property crimes are down 12% in 2026.
Police Credit Proactive Enforcement
Department leaders attributed the improvements to focused crime-fighting strategies and proactive enforcement efforts by officers across Knoxville.
“Thanks to the focused and proactive efforts of our officers, reported car burglaries are down 44 percent year-to-date, including a notable 46-percent reduction in the Central District that encompasses Downtown Knoxville,” the department said.
The latest crime statistics continue a broader trend of declining crime rates in Knoxville and suggest that both violent offenses and property crimes remain below levels seen in recent years.
Police officials say they remain committed to maintaining those gains through continued community engagement, targeted enforcement and crime prevention efforts.
