Athens, AL Crime Rates: Stats & Map

C+

25%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

44%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

38%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Athens_{/100k people}	Alabama_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	824	n/a (estimate)	2,898	2,148	2,324
Murder	1	n/a	3.5	10.9	6.3
Rape	4	n/a	14.1	29.6	40.0
Robbery	8	n/a	28.1	34.5	66.1
Assault	46	n/a	161.8	334.1	268.2
Violent crime	59	n/a (estimate)	207	409	370
Burglary	136	n/a	478.2	283.9	269.8
Theft	589	n/a	2,071.2	1,252.7	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	40	n/a	140.7	202.3	282.7
Property crime	765	n/a (estimate)	2,690	1,739	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Athens, AL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Athens crime rate is 24.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Athens, there were 59 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 207 per 100,000 individuals, 43.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Athens recorded 765 property crimes, amounting to 2690 per 100,000 residents, 37.6% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Athens?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Athens. Based on the results of the surveys (18 responses), 67% of people felt that there was very little crime in Athens and felt safe walking alone at night. While 33% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Athens a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Athens a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Athens crime rate is 25% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.26 crimes per day - 0.16 violent crimes and 2.1 property crimes.

Has Crime in Athens Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Athens has increased by 147.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Athens is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 227.8%, while property crime has increased by 142.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Athens.

Potential Causes for Crime in Athens

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Athens crime rates. For instance, in Athens, the population density stands at 657.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Athens, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.42 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Athens, the average monthly rent stands at $657, while the national average is $949 per month.

Athens crime map

The Athens crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Athens as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Athens crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Athens crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

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Crime Quick Facts

Athens crime rates are 25% higher than the national average
Violent crimes in Athens are 44% lower than the national average
In Athens you have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Athens is safer than 38% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Athens has increased by 156%

Athens, AL Crime Quiz

Safest Places to Live in and Around Athens

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See all Athens poll results

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Daily Crime In Athens (per 100,000 people)

The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Athens on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Alabama and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Athens (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Alabama, are 1.35 times more than the state average and 1.25 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Athens on a daily basis are 1.97 times less than than Alabama average and 1.78 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Athens are 1.55 times more than the daily state average and 1.38 times more than the daily national numbers.

How Safe is Athens (higher is better)

What are the odds that you'll be safer in Athens, Alabama compared to other areas of Alabama, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Athens safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Athens is safer than 47% of Alabama cities, and 38% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Alabama, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Athens. At this time, Athens sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Athens

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Athens is 1 in 482

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Athens is 1 in 38

The chance of being a victim of crime in Athens is 1 in 35

Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Athens, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 482. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 38 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Athens is 1 in 35.

Year Over Year Crime In Athens (per 100,000 people)

Determining whether Athens is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Athens violent crime rates have increased by 239%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 151% year over year. Total crimes for Athens has increased by 156% in the same time frame.

Athens police department

Item	Athens	Alabama	National
Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)	55	9,968	558,732
Police officers & civilians /1000 residents	2.4	4.1	3.3

There are a total of 55 Athens police officers. This results in 2.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 40.3% less than the Alabama average and 25.4% less than the National average.

Sex offenders in Alabama

State	Total offenders	Alabama_/100K	National_/100K
Alabama	10,698	231	266

There are a total of 10,698 sex offenders in Alabama. This yields a total of 231 sex offenders in Alabama per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Hillsboro, AL	590	0	0	0
Triana, AL	2,323	183	444	627
Mooresville, AL	87	165	703	868
Madison, AL	50,717	177	751	928
Ardmore, TN	1,260	271	1,003	1,274
Harvest, AL	5,722	244	1,037	1,280
Ardmore, AL	1,347	356	1,636	1,991
Athens, AL	26,686	207	2,690	2,898

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Bayonet Point, FL	26,704	408	2,468	2,876
Leisure City, FL	26,708	402	2,430	2,832
Maple Valley, WA	26,739	110	1,764	1,874
Lemon Grove, CA	26,739	610	1,753	2,363
Sanger, CA	26,744	533	1,168	1,701
Athens, AL	26,686	207	2,690	2,898

Source: The Athens, AL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.