MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A newly released national study is raising concerns about human trafficking awareness in Tennessee, placing the state among the top 10 in the country for what researchers describe as a significant “awareness gap” despite high trafficking activity.

According to an analysis conducted by Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, Tennessee ranks 9th nationwide in human trafficking rates, yet only 31st in public engagement with trafficking-related search activity. The disparity results in a “Neglect Score” of 44.9%, ranking the state 10th in the nation for trafficking awareness neglect.

Tennessee vs. Its Eight Bordering States: The Crossroads of Neglect:

The study examined FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data from 2021 to 2025 alongside Google Trends search data to compare actual trafficking rates with how often residents search for information related to trafficking awareness. Researchers found that Tennessee’s trafficking rate of 6.44 cases per million people is approximately 1.7 times higher than the national average.

Despite that elevated rate, search activity tied to trafficking awareness and high-profile cases remains below average. Tennessee’s search rate of 297 per 100,000 residents falls short of the national average of 317.9, highlighting what researchers say is a gap between the severity of the issue and public attention.

“This study demonstrates that Tennessee’s public awareness of trafficking is disproportionately low relative to the state’s actual trafficking burden,” researchers noted, pointing to the need for increased public engagement and education.

Geographically, Tennessee’s central location may play a role in its trafficking challenges. Positioned at the crossroads of major interstate corridors including I-24,  I-40, I-65, and I-75, the state serves as a key transit route across the Southeast and Midwest. Major cities like Nashville and Memphis function as transportation hubs, factors that can contribute to increased trafficking activity.

The report also highlights Tennessee’s proximity to other states facing similar challenges. Five of its eight bordering states, including Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky, also show positive “Neglect Scores,” indicating comparable gaps between trafficking rates and public awareness.

One of the closest comparisons comes from neighboring Kentucky, where trafficking rates and search activity are nearly identical. Both states report rates above 6 cases per million residents, while their awareness metrics remain near the national midpoint, reinforcing a regional trend of high trafficking activity paired with moderate public engagement.

Among states with similar trafficking rates, Tennessee falls in the middle of a wide spectrum. While some states with comparable trafficking levels demonstrate significantly higher awareness, others show even greater neglect, suggesting that public engagement can vary widely regardless of incident rates.

Researchers emphasize that the findings provide a data-driven case for policymakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders to prioritize education and outreach efforts. The study suggests that increasing awareness could play a critical role in identifying and preventing trafficking cases, particularly in areas where the issue is already prevalent.