| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Vestavia Hills/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 311 | n/a (estimate) | 807 | 2,148 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 7.8 | 10.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 18.2 | 29.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 7.8 | 34.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 44.1 | 334.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 78 | 409 | 370 |
| Burglary | 29 | n/a | 75.3 | 283.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 217 | n/a | 563.4 | 1,252.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 35 | n/a | 90.9 | 202.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 281 | n/a (estimate) | 730 | 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 Vestavia Hills is 65.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 30 violent crimes reported in Vestavia Hills, equivalent to 78 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 78.9%. Additionally, Vestavia Hills recorded 281 property crimes, amounting to 730 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 62.7%.
Vestavia Hills stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 78 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Vestavia Hills secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Vestavia Hills residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 6 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Vestavia Hills residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Vestavia Hills 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. Vestavia Hills has a total crime rate that is 65% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.85 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.77 daily property crimes) in Vestavia Hills.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills has decreased by 1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 25%, while property crime has decreased by 3.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Vestavia Hills.
Vestavia Hills has a poverty rate of 4.3, 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.
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 Vestavia Hills 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. Vestavia Hills has an unemployment rate of 1.1%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
Vestavia Hills has a population density of 1721.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Vestavia Hills crime rates.
| Item | Vestavia Hills | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 72 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Shoal Creek, AL | 1,231 | 57 | 244 | 301 |
| Indian Springs Village, AL | 2,618 | 64 | 273 | 337 |
| Highland Lakes, AL | 5,973 | 106 | 452 | 558 |
| Westover, AL | 1,854 | 110 | 467 | 576 |
| Helena, AL | 18,631 | 95 | 558 | 654 |
| Sylvan Springs, AL | 1,832 | 128 | 545 | 673 |
| Vestavia Hills, AL | 34,482 | 78 | 730 | 807 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McMinnville, OR | 34,466 | 298 | 2,300 | 2,598 |
| Fair Oaks, VA | 34,466 | 101 | 733 | 834 |
| Montgomery Village, MD | 34,413 | 450 | 1,847 | 2,297 |
| Norristown, PA | 34,392 | 451 | 2,012 | 2,463 |
| University CDP (Orange County), FL | 34,379 | 392 | 2,371 | 2,763 |
| Vestavia Hills, AL | 34,482 | 78 | 730 | 807 |
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