It is based on 2006 rates though. In defense of Memphis proper, their rate is down from 2006.
Also, the Memphis Police Commissioner made the decision to report crimes differently than most large cities. I think that it has to do with not including suburbs such as Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Lakeland and others which would bring the numbers down. Most other large cities do include those types of surrounding areas as much as possible, to make their numbers look better.
I was born and raised in Memphis, and live in Midtown. Yes, there is a bad crime problem in Memphis. Yes, the same problem exists in parts of all large cities. Personally, I have never had a problem, but there are areas to stay away from, and I do, except when going to and from work. I am just glad that the majority of Fedex pilots feel like Memphis is the worst place in the world. It gives me a lot more relative seniority, and much more time off.