| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Selma/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 504 | n/a (estimate) | 3,092 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 12.3 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 18.4 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 30.7 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 91 | n/a | 558.3 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 620 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 90 | n/a | 552.2 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 286 | n/a | 1,754.7 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 27 | n/a | 165.7 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 403 | n/a (estimate) | 2,473 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Selma crime rate is 45.9% 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 Selma, there were 101 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 620 per 100,000 individuals, 72.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Selma recorded 403 property crimes, amounting to 2473 per 100,000 residents, 40.5% higher than the U.S. average.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Selma ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Selma, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Selma. Based on the results of the surveys (30 responses), 13% of people felt that there was very little crime in Selma and felt safe walking alone at night. While 87% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Selma is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Selma has an overall crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.38 daily occurrences, comprising 0.28 violent crimes and 1.1 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Selma as a potential place to establish residency.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Selma crime rate. The poverty level in Selma is 36.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Selma, the cost of living is 17.17% 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.
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 Selma stands at $160,058, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Selma | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 72 | 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 |
| Benton, AL | 24 | 162 | 706 | 868 |
| Valley Grande, AL | 3,761 | 170 | 740 | 910 |
| Selmont-West Selmont, AL | 1,901 | 187 | 814 | 1,001 |
| Orrville, AL | 148 | 457 | 1,986 | 2,443 |
| Selma, AL | 18,220 | 620 | 2,473 | 3,092 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oak Grove, OR | 18,220 | 223 | 1,611 | 1,834 |
| Glenvar Heights, FL | 18,216 | 109 | 579 | 688 |
| Knik-Fairview, AK | 18,228 | 773 | 1,826 | 2,599 |
| Greenfield, CA | 18,212 | 631 | 801 | 1,432 |
| Ferndale, MD | 18,230 | 500 | 2,441 | 2,942 |
| Selma, AL | 18,220 | 620 | 2,473 | 3,092 |
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