A+
76%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
80%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
75%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHelena/100k peopleAlabama/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime114n/a (estimate)5071,9252,119
Murder0n/a0.08.75.0
Rape2n/a8.925.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.034.060.6
Assault14n/a62.3291.4256.1
Violent crime16n/a (estimate)71360359
Burglary12n/a53.4243.5229.2
Theft74n/a329.31,148.51,272.1
Vehicle theft12n/a53.4173.0258.8
Property crime98n/a (estimate)4361,5651,760

Helena crime map

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The Helena crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Helena 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 Helena crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Helena 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Helena, AL

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 Helena crime rate is lower than the national average by 76.1%. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes in Helena, equivalent to 71 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 80.2%. Furthermore, Helena recorded 98 property crimes, amounting to 436 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 75.2%.

With a crime rate of 507, significantly below the national average of 2119, Helena stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

With only 71 incidents per 100,000 people, Helena boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Helena has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Helena experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Helena has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 436 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Helena remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Helena?

What do the local residents think about crime in Helena? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 100% of Helena residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 0% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Helena a Safe Place to Live?

Is Helena a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Helena has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 76%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.31 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.27 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Helena as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Helena Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Helena has decreased by 40.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Helena, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 73.8%, while property crime has decreased by 25.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Helena is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Helena

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 Helena crime rates. For instance, in Helena, the population density stands at 925.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Helena, the cost of living is 1.58% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Helena, the average rental rates are $1,811 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Helena crime rates are 76% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Helena are 80% lower than the national average
      • In Helena you have a 1 in 198 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Helena is safer than 81% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Helena has decreased by 12%

      Helena, AL Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Helena

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Helena?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Helena?
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        See all Helena poll results

        Daily Crime In Helena (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Helena, Alabama is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Helena are 3.79 times less than the Alabama average and 4.18 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Helena are 5.05 times less than than Alabama and 5.04 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Helena are 3.59 times less than than Alabama and 4.04 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Helena (higher is better)

        Is Helena safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Alabama as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Helena to other cities in the state and across the country, Helena is 85% safer than other cities of Alabama and 81% safer than other cities in the nation. Helena has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Helena

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Helena is 1 in 1405
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Helena is 1 in 230
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Helena is 1 in 198
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Helena, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 1405. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 230 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 Helena is 1 in 198.

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

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Helena, Alabama (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Helena has increased by 58%, the amount of property crime in Helena has decreased by 18%, and the total amount of crime in Helena has decreased by 12% year over year.

        Helena police department

        Item Helena Alabama National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)259,968558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.54.13.3
        There are a total of 25 Helena police officers. This results in 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 63.9% less than the Alabama average and 55% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Alabama

        State Total offenders Alabama /100K National /100K
        Alabama10,698231266
        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
        Indian Springs Village, AL2,69756245302
        Lipscomb, AL2,120101303404
        Concord, AL1,63689387476
        Highland Lakes, AL6,151117509626
        Rock Creek, AL1,587126546672
        Brook Highland, AL7,784126549675
        Vestavia Hills, AL35,26982645728
        Helena, AL19,28871436507

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bellwood, IL19,2873061,1971,504
        Cedar Mill, OR19,2821359741,109
        Farmington, MO19,2793232,7513,074
        Cortland, NY19,3022272,9543,181
        Imperial, CA19,30377182259
        Helena, AL19,28871436507
        Source: The Helena, AL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.