Is Germantown Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Germantown, Tennessee, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy just outside the vibrant city of Memphis.

Indigenous people first lived off this land, and in 1841, the city was settled.

It is believed the mixed heritage blend of settlers, mostly Germans, led to the name. In 1868, the railroad came to town and still stands as a historical memoir of the bygone era.

While Memphis is the heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues Music, Germantown is a much more subdued suburban experience.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Germantown boasts several parks and green spaces perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or recreational activities.

Foodies will delight in Germantown’s culinary scene, offering a diverse array of dining options to satisfy every palate.

From upscale eateries serving gourmet cuisine to cozy cafes and bakeries dishing out delectable treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some Southern specialties or indulge in international flavors at one of the town’s eateries.

Germantown also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from art and music to food and culture.

Check the local calendar for upcoming happenings, paying special attention to Shelby Farms.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local flavor, Germantown welcomes you with open arms, promising a memorable and enjoyable visit.

I lived here in the early ’00s, and it’s amazing to see how much this community has grown yet still captures the quintessential Southern landscape.

Germantown is also close to the looped interstate system that can get you to downtown Memphis, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, and Overton Park.

Warnings & Dangers in Germantown

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Germantown has a low overall risk but also not that many options compared to Memphis. It's highly suburban. However, the risk in Memphis increases greatly.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

MATA Transit is the fixed-route service throughout Memphis, and Germantown does have a route. I would use caution if considering that and compare the routes vs the more dangerous parts of Memphis. Taxis and rideshares are another option, while rental cars offer the most flexibility.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but Germantown did have a spike in pickpockets in 2022. That year, six pickpockets were reported. The previous four years had seven pickpockets or purse snatching total. Whether it's a trend or a fluke, don't let the sense of safety in Germantown make you too comfortable.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Don't let anyone tell you the bluffs of the Mississippi River keep tornadoes from hitting Memphis and the surrounding region. This area is a medium risk for year-round potential for tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding. Winters can be mild, but this region has seen several major ice storms in history. Treat this as a medium risk, especially since so many things to do in Germantown are outdoors.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robberies are 82% lower than the national average. Plus, just three highway robberies happened in 2022. The risk is low, but you can't let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is low risk; the bigger concern would be crime spilling over from Memphis into the suburbs. However, as a major city and home to FedEx, it's still important to pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The scams in Germantown target residents, with scammers posing as police officers or the IRS demanding money. You can bet if there's a scam going around, it's on the city's social media pages.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Germantown is one of the safer parts of the Memphis area for women. I lived there for several years and never felt unsafe, even when shopping alone at night. Just use standard safety steps and you'll enjoy your time too.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The risk is low here, with the latest water quality report showing no violations and full compliance. If there is an issue, like a water main break, it will be reported on the city's website, too.

Safest Places to Visit in Germantown

Look up the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce website to find a full list of places to visit in the city.

For information about the Memphis metro area, visit memphistravel.com.

Germantown is a highly residential area, but the upscale community also comes with plenty of shopping, dining and recreation options.

One of the best intersections to look for a hotel is at Wolf River Boulevard and Germantown Road.

Saddle Creek is a shopping area with some name-brand stores and popular restaurants, and the shopping district extends to various strip malls in all directions.

If you head to Germantown Road near Dogwood, you can eat at Southern Social, a popular restaurant in town, and then visit the Train Depot Museum next door.

While the Mississippi River gets a lot of attention in the Memphis Area, the Wolf River provides a lot of recreational opportunities for your visit to Germantown.

If you look up the Wolf River Conservancy, you can see an interactive map of all the places you can walk along the river or go on a boat or kayak.

Pack a picnic basket and head to Cameron Brown Park, a spacious park in Germantown featuring playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.

One of the things I loved about living in Germantown was ponds dotted throughout all the landscapes.

This park has one with a dock where you can walk over the water.

Even with all the cool parks in Germantown, they pale in comparison to Shelby Farms.

With over 4,500 acres of diverse landscapes, including lakes, forests, and wetlands, Shelby Farms offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventure.

From hiking and biking trails to paddle boating and fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Patriot Lake is in the center with a playground and water spray park to cool off in those hot Memphis summers.

This is also where major events and festivals are held throughout the year.

Head to nearby Shelby Farms Greenline, an 11-mile urban trail that connects Midtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park.

Rent a bike or lace up your walking shoes to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area as you explore the trail.

Enjoy a night of entertainment at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of performances, including music concerts, theater productions, and dance recitals.

Check their schedule for upcoming shows and events.

Places to Avoid in Germantown

You don’t need to avoid any parts of Germantown, as it’s a safe city, as is nearby Cordova and Collierville.

However, if you’re looking for places to avoid going into Memphis, it’s not that easy.

The most dangerous Memphis neighborhoods are to the southwest and northwest of Germantown, with several dangerous parts in central Memphis.

Downtown is also dangerous, but you at least get the security and safety in tourism numbers in places like Beale Street near Graceland.

Those looking to avoid crowds might want to skip Memphis in May, as several major events are held throughout the month, drawing in large crowds.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Germantown

So... How Safe Is Germantown Really?

Germantown is a safe city, ranked as one of the safest in Tennessee.

It’s especially safe, considering how close it is to Memphis, which isn’t all that safe.

However, violent crime is up 130% since 2018.

That trend isn’t concerning at this point, but another five to 10 years of that kind of increase, and it could be a different story.

The violent crime rate is 74% lower than the state average and 58% lower than the national average.

About 24% of violent crimes are against strangers.

The theft rate is just below the national average, but it has increased by almost 40% in the past decade.

One consistent statistic is that 40% of thefts are car break-ins or accessory thefts.

That’s looking at 2022 data and the five-year average.

That makes sense since Germantown is an affluent suburb with an average income of $140,000.

That means nicer cars, more valuables, and potentially more people leaving expensive items in their cars.

Plus, most car break-ins were a crime of opportunity, with car doors left unlocked or even the keys inside.

About six cars are stolen each month as of 2022, which is a 2,233% increase since 2014, when just three were stolen.

Safety in Germantown is easy to find, especially if you lock your car and remove valuables from inside.

Visiting Memphis next door is a different story and we hope you read our article about how safe Memphis is for travel.

How Does Germantown Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International visitors need a visa or visa waiver to get through Customs and Border Patrol. Passports must be more than six months from expiring, so check that date closely. Full details for getting a visa are on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the only accepted currency here. The Memphis airport offers a cashpoint machine, Travelex services, and an international business center where you can exchange currency. I wouldn't carry a lot of cash here, especially if you go to downtown Memphis.

Weather

Memphis gets all four seasons, but winter leans milder most years. In fact, January is the only month when the low gets to freezing (on average). Summers are going to be oppressively hot and humid. You definitely need bug spray from spring through early fall.

Airports

Memphis International Airport is about 15 miles from Germantown. It's the largest and closest option. Nashville's airport requires a three-hour drive.

Travel Insurance

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance since it includes all the aspects of coverage you would need, including several items you might not think about.

Germantown Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Tennessee - Safety by City