Is Rogersville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Stepping into Rogersville, Tennessee, feels like taking a journey back in time.

The town’s historic district is a treasure trove of well-preserved architecture, including elegant homes, quaint shops, and charming churches.

This is the second-oldest town in Tennessee; originally home to the Cherokee Indians for centuries.

The grandparents of Davy Crockett settled it in 1775, but they were killed in a battle with the Indians.

About 14 years later, Joseph Rogers established a town named after himself.

If you’re not familiar with Tennessee/North California history, you can look up the State of Franklin.

Despite its brief existence of settlers wanting to self-govern from 1784 to 1788, the State of Franklin represents the struggles and aspirations of frontier settlers during a transformative period.

Rogersville was in the heart of the State of Franklin.

Honestly, not too much has changed since then, and that’s just the way this town of 4,600 people likes it.

Unlike larger tourist destinations, Rogersville offers a more intimate and immersive experience, allowing visitors to truly connect with its past and present.

You also get river and lake access, with the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains nearby.

Whether it’s exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor recreation, or simply soaking in the small-town atmosphere, Rogersville offers a slice of Tennessee’s rich history with warmth and authenticity.

Warnings & Dangers in Rogersville

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Rogersville, and it's one of the best family-friendly or couple's escape destinations for those looking to enjoy small-town charm.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The town itself is very walkable. While you might be able to get a taxi or rideshare sparingly, a rental car is about the only way to get here and leave. Plus, with free parking and so much nature to explore nearby, it's the best option.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

In the past decade, just three pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported. That's a low risk, but don't let that cause you to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This region can get severe or disruptive weather in any season, suggesting a medium risk. The biggest problems include tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash flooding. Rogersville doesn't get a lot of snow in the winter, so even a minor winter storm can cause travel challenges. Plus, the nearby foothills and mountains could have treacherous conditions when the weather isn't that bad in Rogersville.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

In the past five years, just one mugging happened in Rogersville. The risk is low, but it's still wise to stay in well-lit areas and leave your valuables at home.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk. Rogersville prides itself on being one of Tennessee's best-kept secrets. Plus, once you are outside the city limits, the area is remote.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams here will focus mostly on the locals, preying on their kindness. However, always be aware of deals that seem too good to be true. You can always check the county sheriff's office for current scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is a low risk as well, with the destination being popular with women of all generations. It's safe for a solo trip, a trip with the kids, or a girlfriend's getaway.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The risk is low as all towns are held to the strict requirements of the Safe Water Drinking Act. If there is any issue with the tap water, a notice will be posted, but that's highly unlikely. If you're staying at an older hotel or historic inn, let the tap water run a minute or two before using it to remove any sediment from the pipes.

Safest Places to Visit in Rogersville

You have a couple of great resources to learn more about visiting Rogersville.

First, the town’s website has a Visitor section to review.

Then, visit the Rogersville Chamber of Commerce website.

Also, the East Tennessee Visitor’s Guide covers Rogersville and many other cities and towns across this part of the state.

The Rogersville Heritage website has all the historic district and buildings information.

Rogersville Main Street’s website covers the downtown area, which is also a historic district.

Let’s start downtown as we explore the safe places to visit in Rogersville.

The downtown historic district covers three square blocks, with restaurants, shops, and other businesses mixed in with the charming architecture.

To be as close as possible to downtown, stay at the Historic Hale Springs Inn, built in 1824.

The Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum in Knoxville stands at the 1971 site where a printing press was established for the Knoxville Gazette.

Other artifacts in the museum show the evolution of print shops through the next few centuries.

While you’re there, visit the historic Rogersville Train Depot.

Crockett Spring Park is a recreational space but also holds several historic buildings, like the Big Tavern House, Pettibone House, and the cemetery, where notable figures from the town’s history are laid to rest.

The Swift Museum is a landmark in African American History, as the site of the Price School and Swift College starting in the early 1880s.

You can tour the remaining buildings for free.

Be sure to see the oldest courthouse in Tennessee while you’re in Rogersville.

Visit Cherokee Reservoir for recreation near the lakeshore, and there are plenty of campsites to consider if you want to stay overnight.

Another must-see spot near Rogersville is the Thomas Amis Historic Site, where the oldest stone dam in Tennessee still functions.

It was built in 1780.

A restaurant sits right by the water with sensational views of the landscape.

It’s especially impressive in fall when the leaves change colors.

A great day trip includes going to the nearby town of Bulls Gap.

There you can explore the Railroad Museum, and Archie Campbell Museum (star of Hee Haw) and get an adrenaline-pumping time at the Volunteer Speedway.

To find the best outdoor spots to explore, including Cherokee National Forest, stop by the Chamber of Commerce during business hours to get expert guidance and maps.

Places to Avoid in Rogersville

Rogersville is a safe, charming place to visit, but it does come with the traditional conservative, small-town Southern values that won’t be everyone’s cup of sweet tea.

It’s a religious town, and you’ll likely be asked what church you attend or possibly even invited to someone else’s church.

When I lived in the South, I was asked almost weekly, “Do you have a church home?” until I could finally answer, “Yes!” With Sunday being a day of worship, some businesses might be closed, and even more restaurants could be packed with the post-church crowds.

Rogersville is also a town that is hard to find information about online.

I get the sense this is the kind of place where any questions can be easily answered with a phone call, but they can get by just fine without fancy websites and social creators.

Northern Maine is like that, too, for what it’s worth.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Rogersville

So... How Safe Is Rogersville Really?

Rogersville is safe to visit but still deals with its fair share of crimes.

However, nothing in the crime data suggests there’s any safety concern about visiting this eastern Tennessee town.

When it comes to crime rates, it’s misleading to figure out a rate “per 100,000” due to the potential for skewed data.

However, even after taking that leap, the rate is far lower than the state or national average.

In fact, in 2022, just 16 violent crimes were reported, making an average of one every three weeks.

Looking at homicides, you have to go back to 2008 to find one in Rogersville, and that’s one of two that happened this century.

From what I can glean, even the few violent crimes that do happen here are connected to drugs and/or gun crimes.

For theft, the rate is way higher than the national average, but that waters down to about two a week in this small town.

About 40% of thefts are shoplifting.

Over the past decade, violent crimes are down 33% and thefts are down 58%.

While it once might have been on a concerning crime rate spectrum, it’s not only safe but getting safer.

How Does Rogersville Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International visitors should check out the U.S. State Department website to use the Visa Wizard module. That will help you find out if you're eligible for a visa waiver or need to apply for a visa. All passports should be valid for at least six months after your trip. Otherwise, get it renewed before you travel.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here and don't wait until you get to Rogersville to figure that out. Most international airports will have currency exchange options, but regional airports probably won't. Your home bank will give the best rates for USD.

Weather

Plan for whichever season you're visiting, as this region sticks to the traditional weather changes in each one. Winters won't be as mild as the rest of Tennessee due to the mountains, but you also won't likely find yourself snowed in at any point. Summers will be hot and humid. You'll want bug spray that you can carry with you to apply often.

Airports

McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is 90 minutes away, making it the largest commercial airport in the region. You can use the Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville, about an hour away, but it's pretty small with limited flights.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps protect against delays, cancelations, and emergencies. It's worth the investment to go for comprehensive insurance. You should know that insurance goes into effect as soon as you buy it.

Rogersville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Tennessee - Safety by City