Violent crime declined across Tennessee in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to data released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The figures are included in the agency’s “Crime In Tennessee 2025 Report,” which compiles information submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System.
Each incident report includes details about the offense, victim, offender, property, arrestees and relationships between the people involved. The TBI said the 2025 data provides a “snapshot” of crimes reported during the year.
Murder and aggravated assault declined in Tennessee
Tennessee reported 484 murder cases in 2025, down from 592 in 2024. The murder rate fell by more than 18% year over year.
According to the report, most people killed in 2025 were between the ages of 25 and 34. In 2024, victims ages 18 to 24 represented the largest share.
More than 30,000 aggravated assault cases were reported in 2025, but incidents fell by more than 15% compared with 2024. The data also showed that Sundays had the highest number of reported aggravated assaults, with at least 4,999 incidents.
Most Group A offenses happened during the afternoon
More than 429,000 Group A offenses were reported across Tennessee in 2025. The category includes crimes such as animal cruelty, assault, burglary, vandalism, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, theft, prostitution and robbery.
The TBI reported that 70,824 Group A offenses occurred between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. Most took place at homes, followed by highways, schools and gas stations.
Extortion and identity theft reports increased
Reports involving extortion and blackmail rose by 3.23% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Identity theft victim reports increased by 16.35%.
Earlier this year, several law enforcement agencies warned on social media about an increase in government impersonation scams. The FBI said at least $20 billion was lost to government impersonation scams in 2025, including $300 million in Tennessee.
Meth offenses increased while imports declined
More than 2,100 methamphetamine-related offenses, including cases involving meth labs, were reported in 2025. The report said that was an increase from 2024, when 2,087 meth lab-related incidents were reported.
At the same time, offenses involving meth imports declined. Law enforcement agencies in Tennessee reported more than 17,000 import-related meth offenses in both 2023 and 2024. In 2025, that figure fell to more than 15,000.
“The TIBRS program continues to serve as a model for the nation and remains successful because of the continued cooperation by Tennessee’s law enforcement community,” stated TBI Director David Rausch following the report’s release. “The TBI provides TIBRS training to commissioned and non-commissioned law enforcement personnel across the state. TBI remains committed to this effort and will continue to provide the training and technical assistance necessary to collect the most accurate and comprehensive crime statistics for Tennessee and its citizens.”
The full Crime In Tennessee 2025 Report is available through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
