Is Lawrenceburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, offers a blend of history, outdoor recreation, and Southern charm.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, this quaint town is a welcoming stop for outdoor lovers and history buffs.

History abounds here, but it’s not all pleasant.

David Crockett State Park is named after the legendary frontiersman who once called this area home.

This region was part of the traditional territory of various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, before settlers arrived in the early 1800s.

The Indigenous people were forcibly removed from their lands in the 1830s as part of the Indian Removal Act, leading to the tragic Trail of Tears.

Part of that route cuts through David Crockett State Park.

Another historical preservation of the Indigenous Natchez people is near Lawrenceburg on the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway.

It’s the ancient trail used by Native American tribes, European explorers, traders, and settlers long before roads and cars were created.

For a taste of local culture, visitors can immerse themselves in the annual Rotary Strawberry Festival, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage with live music, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of fresh strawberries.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the picturesque countryside through activities like fishing in nearby Shoal Creek or hiking along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway.

Lawrenceburg’s warm hospitality and small-town charm make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway or a day trip from nearby cities like Nashville or Huntsville.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or simply a peaceful retreat, Lawrenceburg offers a unique slice of Tennessee charm.

Warnings & Dangers in Lawrenceburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Lawrenceburg and the surrounding communities of Lawrence County. This is a wholesome, laid-back experience defined by the history and beautiful nature surrounding it.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

South Area Transit Service (SCATS) has service in and around Lawrenceburg, but it's not a large public transportation system. Check out the coverage map to see if that works for you. While rental cars and taxis will sparingly be available, and you might have to wait a while, it really makes the most sense to have your own car rental.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

In the past decade, only five pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported. In addition, many places I've researched for this article had "Lost wallet/phone/keys" posts on their social media sites. You don't want to let your guard down, but this is not a big crime concern at all.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

The weather, however, is a big concern. This region is quickly being known as Dixie Alley to replace Tornado Alley in the Midwest and Plains. Spring is the height of severe storm and tornado season, with that risk going throughout the year. Flooding, extreme heat, and crippling winter weather as possible too. Unless you've never experienced these types of weather challenges before, there's nothing out of the ordinary other than this location is more prone to severe storms.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Lawrenceburg hasn't had more than five robberies in a year going back to 2016, and 2022 saw just three. One of those was a mugging with only $16 taken. The risk is low, but never low enough to let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk. In this part of Tennessee, towns are miles away from each other, and there's nothing that would be considered a hard target. As always, report any suspicious activity you see to keep the risk low.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Most of the scams reported target the kindness of the local community, like fake fundraisers and calls for help with scammers posing as grandchildren. You can read the latest scams through the police department's website, but those with basic levels of common sense will find a low risk.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is a safe and welcoming community for all women, even solo travelers or moms traveling with kids. While basic personal safety steps should always prevail, you'll find the people in the South are more helpful than you'd expect.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2023 Water Quality Report shows no violations and full compliance with all requirements of the Safe Water Drinking Act. That goes just for the tap water, not the river water. The Tennessee Valley Authority posts updates on water quality and bacteria rates in natural water sources.

Safest Places to Visit in Lawrenceburg

“Visit Lawrenceburg” is the name of the tourism website, and to avoid confusing it with any other city of the same name, look for the orange banner at the top.

For a small town, this is one of the best tourism websites I’ve seen, and it’s very easy to navigate.

You can also download a tourism guide without having to give your personal information.

The small towns of Tennessee have the cutest downtown areas, and Lawrenceburg is no different.

Stroll through Historic Downtown Square and soak in the charm of quaint shops, historic buildings, and a welcoming community atmosphere filled with Southern hospitality.

Savor delicious Southern cuisine at local eateries while you’re here, and try the sweet tea if you haven’t had it before.

The warm, humid summers mean the waterways of southern middle Tennessee are filled with kayaks and tubing.

Places like Double G Canoe Rental and Crockett Shoals Tubing Company offer adventures on the water day and night.

David Crockett was a legendary American frontiersman, soldier, and politician known for his adventurous spirit and iconic role in shaping the early history of Tennessee and the United States.

He spent several years of his adult life in this region, and that’s why the state park is named after him.

You can download the Tennessee State Parks app to get all the information you need about David Crockett State Park, including campsites, picnic areas, cabins, and trails.

The park also has a museum, a restaurant, and access to Lake Lindsey.

Lawrence County has a large population of Amish, part of the Old Order Amish.

While this community lives without electricity or indoor plumbing, it does offer a slew of businesses to explore.

If you’ve never visited an Amish community, I highly recommend it.

The food is delightful, with offerings you can eat at a restaurant or take home with you.

Crafts of all kinds, from quilts to handmade furniture, are always 100% unique.

You can find some of these businesses in Ethridge and Lawrenceburg.

“The Trace” is the Natchez Trace Parkway, a nearly 450-mile stretch of road from Tennessee to Mississippi.

Use the Natchez Trace Scenic Trail website by the National Park Service to find hiking trails along the way.

The Trace is split into five sections, and Lawrenceburg is between the Highland Rim and Blackland Prairie sections.

The scenictrace.com website can help you find communities and other places to stop along the trail.

Stop by Holiday Acres Farm to enjoy whatever seasonal fun is blooming or being harvested.

While most parks and public lands discourage picking flowers and plants, here, you can pick your own flowers.

Fall is an ideal time to visit, with the leaves changing colors and the corn maze set up.

They also offer painting and crafting classes in the winter.

If you’re looking for nightlife, check out the schedule of shows at the Crockett Theatre, which opened in 1950 and still has shows rotating every few months.

Places to Avoid in Lawrenceburg

Lawrenceburg is a safe place to visit without bad neighborhoods or dangerous parts of town, but it is always wise to stick to main roads and highways instead of cutting through unknown neighborhoods.

You should also avoid trespassing on someone’s private property without the owner’s permission.

You do want to avoid going into the wilderness alone in this region if you’re not very outdoors-oriented.

Even something as simple as a rafting or tubing trip can lead to an injury or near drowning.

It’s best to take part in these activities with a tour guide, even if it costs a little bit more money in the name of safety.

Finally, there is a Lawrenceburg, Indiana, that keeps coming up in my research.

Just be sure you’re always looking at the one in Tennessee.

All locations here will have a 931 area code.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Lawrenceburg

So... How Safe Is Lawrenceburg Really?

Nothing in the crime data over the past five years or in recent news articles should give you any pause about visiting Lawrenceburg.

Overall, violent crime is 4% higher than the national average but 34% lower than the state average.

Just 8% of violent crimes happen against strangers in Lawrenceburg, and 65% happen in private homes.

Looking at the raw data, a violent crime happens on average less than once a week.

In addition, since 2012, violent crime has seen a slow but consistent trend, with 2022 being 52% lower than in 2013.

Even a double homicide in 2020 shocked the community when police said they couldn’t remember the last time that happened.

My research shows it was 2003 the last time more than two people were killed in a year in Lawrenceburg.

Theft is 26% higher than the national average, but considering how small the town is, and that crime averages are determined by figuring out all statistics to “per 100,000 people,” that breaks down to about four thefts a week.

It’s also a 58% drop from the larceny rate high point of the past decade in 2015.

About one-third of those thefts are car burglaries or stolen car parts, and raw data shows that an average of five to six of these happen a month.

Plus, simply locking your car and removing belongings from the interior lowers that risk immensely.

Lawrenceburg is a safe, small town in Southern Tennessee with a flair for history and outdoor activities.

How Does Lawrenceburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A visa or visa waiver is required for anyone visiting from outside the country. You can start with the Visa Wizard Module on the U.S. State Department website to see which visa you qualify for. Your passport must not be within six months of expiring at any point during your trip, or else you'll need to renew it.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar can be used here. You can visit the Wright Currency Center in Nashville to get currency exchanged. That is not at the airport. The address is 95 White Bridge Road #230, Nashville, TN 37205.

Weather

You'll get four robust seasons here, which can have mini-seasons within them, and winter errs on the side of mild. Plan for comfortable walking shoes, casual clothing, and fabrics that can easily absorb sweat due to the humidity. Bring sunscreen and bug spray, too.

Airports

Nashville International Airport is about 85 miles away, and that drive can take anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic around Nashville. The Huntsville airport is just 73 miles away, but it's not as large and doesn't offer as many flights as you can find in Nashville.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance just makes sense to protect against emergencies, health issues, cancelations and delays.

Lawrenceburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Tennessee - Safety by City