TENNESSEE - A new national study is shining an uncomfortable spotlight on Tennessee, placing the Volunteer State among the top five in the country for in‑home kidnappings. The report, released by H&P Accident and Injury Lawyers, analyzed FBI Crime Data records from 2020 through 2024 and found that several states are struggling to keep residents safe inside their own homes. Tennessee, unfortunately, is one of them.

The study ranks Tennessee fifth in the nation, with an average of 20 home abductions per 100,000 residents. That’s nearly 82 percent higher than the national average of 11. With more than seven million residents, Tennessee saw an average of 1,385 home abductions each year during the five‑year period. The numbers peaked in 2021 with 1,455 cases and dipped to their lowest point in 2022 with 1,262.

While Tennessee’s placement is troubling, the top of the list is even more startling. Kansas leads the nation with 38 home abductions per 100,000 residents—more than double the national average. New Mexico follows with 36, and Colorado ranks third with 28. Utah comes in fourth at 25. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Maryland reports just 0.9 home abductions per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safest states in the country for home security.

A spokesperson for H&P Law said the findings highlight a growing concern across several regions. According to the firm, states like Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado are experiencing “a huge increase in home‑abduction cases, leaving residents unsafe in the familiar milieu of their homes.” The spokesperson emphasized that while safety begins at home, so does vulnerability, urging families to stay alert, secure their homes, and look out for neighbors.

The study’s authors stress that community awareness, strong law‑enforcement partnerships, and public education can make a meaningful difference. For Tennessee families, the message is clear: while the state is known for its hospitality and tight‑knit communities, vigilance remains essential.

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