| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Birmingham/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10,314 | n/a (estimate) | 5,278 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 115 | n/a | 58.8 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 14.8 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 393 | n/a | 201.1 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,899 | n/a | 971.8 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,436 | n/a (estimate) | 1,247 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,426 | n/a | 729.7 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 4,873 | n/a | 2,493.6 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,579 | n/a | 808.0 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 7,878 | n/a (estimate) | 4,031 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Birmingham crime rate is higher than the national average by 149.1%. Specifically, there were 2436 violent crimes in Birmingham, equivalent to 1247 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 247.1%. Furthermore, Birmingham recorded 7878 property crimes, amounting to 4031 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 129%.
With a crime rate of 5278 per 100,000 residents, Birmingham has a crime rate that is 149.05% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Birmingham that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Birmingham ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1247 per 100,000 people, Birmingham is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Birmingham, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Birmingham stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Birmingham, a total of 115 murders were reported, equating to 59 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Birmingham - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4031 per 100,000 people, Birmingham has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Birmingham has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Birmingham reported 1579 vehicle thefts, which equates to 808 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Birmingham is 1 in 124.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Birmingham. Based on the results of the surveys (222 responses), 28% of people felt that there was very little crime in Birmingham and felt safe walking alone at night. While 72% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Birmingham is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Birmingham has a total crime rate that is 149% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 28.26 daily crimes (6.67 violent daily crimes and 21.58 daily property crimes) in Birmingham.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Birmingham. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Birmingham has decreased by 40.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 39.5%, while property crime has decreased by 40.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Birmingham.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Birmingham crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Birmingham has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Birmingham, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 5.25, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Birmingham stands at $177,672, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Birmingham | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,120 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.3 | 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 |
| Shoal Creek, AL | 1,274 | 51 | 220 | 270 |
| Indian Springs Village, AL | 2,697 | 56 | 245 | 302 |
| Lipscomb, AL | 2,120 | 101 | 303 | 404 |
| Concord, AL | 1,636 | 89 | 387 | 476 |
| Sylvan Springs, AL | 1,872 | 99 | 431 | 530 |
| Highland Lakes, AL | 6,151 | 117 | 509 | 626 |
| Brook Highland, AL | 7,784 | 126 | 549 | 675 |
| Birmingham, AL | 216,515 | 1,247 | 4,031 | 5,278 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Moreno Valley, CA | 215,612 | 272 | 1,666 | 1,938 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 215,564 | 660 | 3,095 | 3,755 |
| Santa Clarita, CA | 218,105 | 165 | 1,177 | 1,342 |
| Oxnard, CA | 214,920 | 596 | 1,877 | 2,474 |
| Fontana, CA | 220,412 | 270 | 1,216 | 1,487 |
| Birmingham, AL | 216,515 | 1,247 | 4,031 | 5,278 |
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