Is Pulaski Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Pulaski, Tennessee’s charm and landscape stand in stark contrast to some of its dark history.

Visitors to Pulaski will discover a town brimming with Southern hospitality, cultural heritage, and a promising future.

However, this is the same town where Confederate soldier Sam Davis was hanged for refusing to provide information about his commanding officers and strategies.

He became known as “the Boy Hero of the Confederacy,” with some of his last words reported as “I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend or be false to a duty.”

After the Civil War, Pulaski then became the first chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, a haunting moment that still lingers in the general conversation regarding the “birthplace of the Klan.”

The historical society in Pulaski tells me this Klan iteration ended four years and three months after inception.

The Klan, as it is generally referred to today, started in Georgia.

Today, Pulaski disassociates itself from the Klan’s legacy, actively working to promote inclusivity and diversity.

The town has undergone significant social and cultural changes, with community leaders and residents striving to create a welcoming environment for all.

Pulaski is also the crossroads of the Trail of Tears, which forcibly removed Indians from their homelands in 1830.

In the spirit of the Giles County and Pulaski goal to acknowledge the past but also learn from it and heal, you’ll find a treasure trove of memorials and educational, historical spots to explore.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you look beyond the shadows of the past to see a bright future.

The city is easily accessible off Highway 31, which departs and connects with I-65 Middle Tennessee.

It’s about halfway between Nashville and Huntsville, Alabama, tucked away from the hectic highway life and filled with Southern specialties.

Warnings & Dangers in Pulaski

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with a decent amount to do for a day trip or a weekend. It's a small town of 8,400 people, but it feels bigger when you see possible activities.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You'll need a rental car to get here, and public transportation isn't offered. Taxis and rideshares could be available on a limited basis, but much of the city is walkable.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

I went back through 10 years of crime data and couldn't find a single pickpocket or purse snatching, so that's a low risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Pulaski faces natural disaster risks, including tornadoes and severe storms, due to its location in "Dixie Alley." Flooding is also a concern, with the town situated near rivers prone to overflow during heavy rainfall. Preparedness and awareness are crucial for residents to mitigate these potential hazards.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery risk is low, with just one reported for the past two years, and that was a home break-in robbery.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk is low. However, as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, it has a historical association with domestic extremism. Vigilance and community engagement remain essential in preventing and addressing any potential threats.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with locals being the most common victims of scams. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office website offers great information to help spot a scammer.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with nothing in the crime data or recent news reports suggesting women would be at a greater risk. Just use the standard personal security steps here.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2023 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations. The water is safe for drinking and bathing.

Safest Places to Visit in Pulaski

Visit Pulaski is the name of the tourism website, with a city guide available for download along with a map.

It covers places to visit in the city and Giles County.

You can also check out the Facebook page @visitpulaski with updates on events and new businesses.

One caution – there is a Giles County, Virginia, that is the “Mountain Playground.”

That’s nowhere near THIS Giles County in Middle Tennessee.

You can start downtown, steeped in history.

The Giles County Courthouse sits at the center of the town square – a treasure in its own right.

Personally, I love town squares.

It makes it impossible to get lost!

The website historicdowntownpulaski.com has all the information you need to start exploring.

Due to the triggering nature of some historical sites here, I’ll skip explaining and direct you to the Giles County History section of the tourism website.

The one I do want to mention is the Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center, as that seems to be missing from the list of historical places to visit.

The founder of Mars, Inc.

(Milky Way, Snickers, M&Ms) had billions of dollars and could’ve lived anywhere in the world.

He chose to build an estate in Pulaski.

The Milky Way Farm is open for tours, with each room carefully preserved the way the Mars family liked it in the 1930s.

Other era-specific homes in the community are the Hallehurst Historic Mansion, Campbell Chapel, the Wilkinson-Martin House, and the Brown-Daly-Horne House.

Each displays a grand example of their individual types of architecture.

Pulaski doesn’t have many major parks outside the typical option in any community.

However, Dave Crockett State Park is just 25 miles west.

This park covers 1,300 acres and honors the legendary Davy Crockett, who hailed from Tennessee.

Big Creek Winery is a newer attraction in Pulaski, where you can sample local wines or tour the facility.

Local dairy products are available to pair with your wine.

Places to Avoid in Pulaski

The main places to visit in Pulaski are right on the main road through town, with very little reason to go into the neighborhoods.

There’s not a bad part of town, but it’s wise in these parts to stay on the main roads and avoid private property.

Unlike some other parts of Tennessee, there aren’t a lot of outdoor parks and recreation areas in the immediate area.

It’s surrounded by remote yet private land.

If you want the best outdoor beauty in middle Tennessee, there are better places to explore.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Pulaski

So... How Safe Is Pulaski Really?

Violent crime is 30% lower than the state average and 11% higher than the national average.

Since it’s a small town, the raw data provides good context – that rate equals about three violent crimes each month, on average.

Car thefts have doubled in the past decade, going from 12 in a year to 24 in a year.

On the flip side, thefts are down overall by 41% from the 2016 high point of the decade.

About 20% of all thefts are car break-ins or accessory thefts.

Even though the theft rate is 67% higher than the national average, it’s important to note that 43% of those thefts are shoplifting.

As much as Pulaski is trying to shed an image of the “birthplace of the KKK,” and such, this is still a conservative, religious town.

Undertones of anything that doesn’t fall within their definition of morality could be met with disdain.

For example, Giles County banned drag shows, including any performance that is an “adult cabaret” with “male or female impersonators” in county parks.

The goal was to prevent anything that could “have a bearing on the health, safety, welfare, and morals of our community.”

Reports of white supremacist flyers throughout this region have stoked the fires of racial inequality for years.

Protests either for or against Confederate symbols and figures continue.

You can take that information for what it is worth and do some research.

I’m not suggesting you do or don’t visit.

I just think it’s good to go into the visit with eyes wide open.

How Does Pulaski Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International visitors need to first check if they are eligible for a visa waiver, as that will make the process much easier. That information is found on the U.S. State Department website. Otherwise, a visa for the purpose of your trip needs to be applied for, which could include a work visa, school visa, tourism visa, etc.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar can be used here. Exchange currency before you get to Pulaski, either at the airport or at your home bank. I do recommend carrying about $20-$40 in case you come across cash-only locations.

Weather

The weather sticks pretty much to the seasonal changes, with winters being on the milder side. Summers will be hot and humid. You'll want bug spray and breathable, light-colored fabrics. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and don't plan to dress up in this casual town. The only exception would be a nice outfit if you plan to attend Sunday church.

Airports

You can get to Nashville International Airport in about an hour. It's the closest large airport nearby. The Huntsville airport is an hour in the other direction. It's really only an ideal choice if you're flying to Washington, D.C. Several government agencies have a presence here, with many flights a day between Washington and Huntsville.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great street reliever, especially when visiting a rugged area prone to weather dangers. Ensure you have rental car coverage for roadside assistance and insured motorist accidents.

Pulaski Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Tennessee - Safety by City