This Town in Tennessee State Takes the Crown for Most Violent

When people think of violent crime in the United States, they often picture big cities like Chicago, Detroit, or Baltimore. However, the latest FBI data shows that the most violent town in Tennessee isn’t Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville. It’s a small community of fewer than 3,000 people in the northwest corner of the state: Ridgely.

What makes Ridgely so violent?

Ridgely, located in Lake County, Tennessee, has a population of 2,912 as of 2020. Its violent crime rate is 2,566 per 100,000 people, which is over 10 times the national average of 250 per 100,000. This means one in every 39 residents was a victim of a violent crime such as murder, rape, robbery, or assault in 2020.

The causes of Ridgely’s high crime rate are not entirely clear, but some possible factors include:

Poverty: With a poverty rate of 35.7%, more than double the state average of 15.3%, poverty in Ridgely can lead to stress, desperation, and fewer opportunities, which often correlate with higher crime rates.

Drugs: Ridgely is near the borders of Kentucky and Missouri, major sources of illegal drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Drug trafficking and addiction can lead to violence as dealers and users compete for territory, money, and supplies.

Gangs: The town is home to several gangs, such as the Gangster Disciples, the Vice Lords, and the Crips. Gangs engage in various criminal activities including drug dealing, extortion, robbery, and murder, often leading to violent conflicts.

Policing: Ridgely’s small and understaffed police department has only six officers for the entire town, limiting their ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate crimes. This can reduce community trust in the police and decrease the likelihood of crime reporting.

How does Ridgely compare to other towns in Tennessee?

Ridgely isn’t the only town in Tennessee with a high crime rate. According to FBI data, there are 10 other towns in the state with violent crime rates above 1,000 per 100,000 people. Here are the top five:

Town	Population	Violent Crime Rate
Ridgely	2,912	2,566
Bolivar	5,066	1,760
Ripley	8,109	1,736
Covington	8,870	1,652
Brownsville	9,592	1,620

Most of these towns are small and rural, contradicting the common perception that crime is more prevalent in urban areas. In fact, some studies suggest rural areas can have higher rates of violent crime, especially for crimes like rape and domestic violence.

What can be done to reduce violence in Ridgely?

Reducing violence in Ridgely requires addressing the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to crime. Some potential solutions include:

Increasing economic opportunities: Providing more jobs, education, and training can help residents escape poverty and reduce their involvement in illegal activities.

Enhancing drug prevention and treatment: Reducing the supply and demand of drugs can curb violence related to drug trafficking and addiction. This involves both law enforcement and support for those seeking to recover from addiction.

Strengthening community policing: Improving the relationship between the police and the community can enhance safety. This can be achieved by increasing the number of officers and involving the community in crime prevention efforts.

Supporting victims and witnesses: Offering more assistance and protection to victims and witnesses can help them recover from trauma and encourage them to report crimes, increasing accountability and deterrence.

Conclusion

Ridgely, Tennessee, has the highest violent crime rate in the state and one of the highest in the country. The reasons for this are complex, including poverty, drugs, gangs, and limited policing. Reducing violence in Ridgely requires comprehensive efforts from the government, police, community, and other stakeholders. Despite its small size, Ridgely deserves significant changes to improve safety and quality of life for its residents.