The 2025 report on Tennessee’s safest cities, compiled by home and personal safety resource platform SafeWise, ranks Kingston as the third safest city in the state, a notable rise from its previous position. Based on FBI crime data from 2023, Kingston, with a population of 6,194, reported a violent crime rate of 0.8 per 1,000 people (up from 0.5 in 2024) and a property crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 (down from 8.4 in 2024), reflecting a significant year-over-year decrease in property crime.

This aligns with broader state trends, where Tennesseans reported reduced experiences with property crime (24% vs. 27% nationally) and violent crime (10% vs. 14% nationally), though concerns about both remain high at 62% and 65%, respectively. Kingston’s low crime rates contribute to its high ranking among 87 qualifying cities, with the report noting that 16 of the top 20 safest cities, including Kingston, saw declines in at least one crime type.

Statewide, 51% of residents feel safe, above the national average of 48%, yet 71% believe crime is increasing. Kingston residents, like others in Tennessee, commonly use security cameras, guard dogs, and security systems for protection, reflecting a proactive approach to safety in this small, relatively secure community.