| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bessemer/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,332 | n/a (estimate) | 9,230 | 2,148 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 10 | n/a | 39.6 | 10.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 59.4 | 29.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 75 | n/a | 296.9 | 34.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 360 | n/a | 1,424.9 | 334.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 460 | n/a (estimate) | 1,821 | 409 | 370 |
| Burglary | 211 | n/a | 835.1 | 283.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,382 | n/a | 5,470.0 | 1,252.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 279 | n/a | 1,104.3 | 202.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,872 | n/a (estimate) | 7,409 | 1,739 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bessemer is 297.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 460 violent crimes reported in Bessemer, equivalent to 1821 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 392.4%. Additionally, Bessemer recorded 1872 property crimes, amounting to 7409 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 279.1%.
Bessemer has a crime rate of 9230 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 297.13%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Bessemer. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
With a violent crime rate of 1821 crimes per 100,000 residents, Bessemer is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Bessemer ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Bessemer is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 10 murders in Bessemer, which equates to 40 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Bessemer being a very dangerous place to live.
Bessemer faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 7409 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bessemer stands at 1 in 14, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Bessemer ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 279 vehicle thefts, amounting to 1104 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Bessemer within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 91.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bessemer. Based on the results of the surveys (31 responses), 23% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bessemer and felt safe walking alone at night. While 77% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bessemer 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 Bessemer crime rate is 297% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.39 crimes per day - 1.26 violent crimes and 5.13 property crimes.
Bessemer has a poverty rate of 25.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Bessemer, the cost of living is 15.75% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Bessemer, the median home price stands at $100,100, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Bessemer | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 141 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lipscomb, AL | 2,055 | 99 | 99 | 198 |
| Indian Springs Village, AL | 2,618 | 64 | 273 | 337 |
| Helena, AL | 18,631 | 95 | 558 | 654 |
| Sylvan Springs, AL | 1,832 | 128 | 545 | 673 |
| Lake View, AL | 2,569 | 81 | 593 | 674 |
| Concord, AL | 1,575 | 130 | 553 | 683 |
| Meadowbrook, AL | 10,110 | 144 | 610 | 754 |
| Bessemer, AL | 26,063 | 1,821 | 7,409 | 9,230 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wethersfield, CT | 26,068 | 96 | 1,498 | 1,594 |
| Milford, MA | 26,072 | 148 | 669 | 817 |
| Terrytown, LA | 26,044 | 698 | 3,051 | 3,750 |
| Neenah, WI | 26,083 | 231 | 1,270 | 1,501 |
| Sun City West, AZ | 26,043 | 374 | 1,781 | 2,155 |
| Bessemer, AL | 26,063 | 1,821 | 7,409 | 9,230 |
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