| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Helena/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 507 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 8.9 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 62.3 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 71 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 53.4 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 74 | n/a | 329.3 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 53.4 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 98 | n/a (estimate) | 436 | 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 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 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? 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.
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.
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.
| Item | Helena | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Indian Springs Village, AL | 2,697 | 56 | 245 | 302 |
| Lipscomb, AL | 2,120 | 101 | 303 | 404 |
| Concord, AL | 1,636 | 89 | 387 | 476 |
| Highland Lakes, AL | 6,151 | 117 | 509 | 626 |
| Rock Creek, AL | 1,587 | 126 | 546 | 672 |
| Brook Highland, AL | 7,784 | 126 | 549 | 675 |
| Vestavia Hills, AL | 35,269 | 82 | 645 | 728 |
| Helena, AL | 19,288 | 71 | 436 | 507 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bellwood, IL | 19,287 | 306 | 1,197 | 1,504 |
| Cedar Mill, OR | 19,282 | 135 | 974 | 1,109 |
| Farmington, MO | 19,279 | 323 | 2,751 | 3,074 |
| Cortland, NY | 19,302 | 227 | 2,954 | 3,181 |
| Imperial, CA | 19,303 | 77 | 182 | 259 |
| Helena, AL | 19,288 | 71 | 436 | 507 |