Alabama is a southeastern US state full of rich culture, natural beauty, and adventures. It covers 52,423 square miles and is the 30th largest state in the US. It consists of 174 cities and 287 towns, and its total population is 5.024 million.
Alabama is generally a safe state. However, the high crime rate in some cities is a major concern. Whether you are relocating or visiting, you must be aware of the most dangerous cities.
We are going to list the top 10 dangerous cities in Alabama, along with the recent crime statistics, to help you understand how safe they are.
How Bad is Crime in Alabama?
Alabama’s overall crime rate isn’t that bad. It’s actually lower than the national median. The overall crime rate of the state is 21.03, while the national median is 23.
Thus, it’s generally a safe state. Most of the cities have a low crime rate. However, some cities also have extremely high crime rates.
The violent crime rate of the state is 4.04 per 1,000 residents, which is a little higher than the national median of 4. There were 20,635 reported cases in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 248.
The property crime rate of the state is 16.99 per 1,000 residents. It’s 10.5% lower than the national median of 19. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 59.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alabama
Bessemer
Bessemer is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama. It’s at the top of the list because it's safer than 0% cities in the US, and all that because of a high crime rate of 102.49 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate of the city is 23.57 per 1,000 residents, which is around six times the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 78.92 per 1,000 residents, and it’s around four times higher than the national median of 19.
Birmingham
Birmingham has a massive population of 196,644, and its overall crime rate is 62.65 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 15.64 per 1,000 residents, with 3,076 reported cases in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
The property crime rate is 47.00 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 9,243 reported cases in the year.
Anniston
Anniston’s overall crime rate is 58.87 per 1,000 residents. The total number of reported crimes in a year is 1,246.
The violent crime rate is 8.98, and the property crime rate is 49.89 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 111, and property crimes are 1 in 20.
Gadsden
Gadsden’s total population is 33,229, and the overall crime rate is 44.93 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate of the city is 6.26 per 1,000 residents. A total of 208 crimes were reported, including “4” murders, “13” rapes, “28” robberies, and “163” assaults. The property crime rate is 38.67 per 1,000 residents, and it’s twice the national median of 19.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 160, and property crimes are 1 in 26.
Dothan
The overall crime rate of Dothan is 43.07 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 3,069 reported crimes.
Its violent crime rate is 9.16 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 109.
The property crime rate is 33.90 per 1,000 residents, and the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 29.
Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa has a massive population of 111,338. Its overall crime rate is 37.61 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 5.84 per 1000 residents. It’s 46% higher than the national median 4. The total number of violent crimes in a year is 650.
The property crime rate is 31.77 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 31.
Prichard
Prichard’s population is only 18,816, but still, its crime rate is high.
The violent crime rate of the city is 12.38 per 1,000 residents. It’s around three times higher than the national median of 4. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 81.
The property crime is a bit lower compared to other cities we have listed, but still higher than the national median. It’s 25.46 per 1,000 residents with a total of 479 reported cases.
Mobile
The overall crime rate of Mobile is 33.33 per 1,000 residents, and its population is 182,595.
Its violent crime rate is 8.69, and its property crime rate is 24.63 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 115, and property crimes are 1 in 41.
Montgomery
The violent crime rate of Montgomery is 5.70 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 1,113 crimes a year. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 175.
The property crime rate of the city is 26.13 per 1,000 residents. It’s 37.5% higher than the national median of 19. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 38.
Selma
Selma’s population is only 16,666, and its overall crime rate is 27.54 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate of the city is 8.22 per 1,000 residents. It’s more than 2X times the national median.
The property crime rate is 19.32 per 1,000 residents. It’s a little higher than the national median of 19.
Thus, it is dangerous because of the high violent crime rate.
Source: AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout
Common Crimes in Alabama
Violent Crimes
Assault: The assault rate in the state is 3.28 per 1,000 residents, which is a bit higher than the national rate of 2.64. In the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023), 16,765 assault crimes were reported.
Robbery: With 1,832, the crime rate is 0.36 per 1,000 residents, which is much lower than the national rate of 0.67 per 1,000 residents.
Rape: The rape rate of the state is 0.30 per 1,000 residents. It is a bit less than the national rate of 0.38.
Murder: The murder rate of 0.10 is a bit higher than the national average of 0.06 per 1,000 residents. There were 524 reports in total.
Property Crimes
Theft: The theft rate is 12.40 per 1,000 residents, with 63,333 reported crimes. It is lower than the national rate of 13.47 per 1,000 residents.
Burglary: With 13,009 total reported crimes, the crime rate is 2.55, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2.51 per 1,000 residents.
Motor Vehicle Theft: The crime rate is 2.05 per 1,000 residents, which is 35% lower than the national median of 3.19 per 1,000 residents.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
How Residents Can Ensure Safety in the Most Dangerous Cities in Alabama?
Home Security
For home security, the best option is a home security system. It’s an automated system to prevent crimes and keep you updated about every activity.
eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is a comprehensive video alarm system that Alabama residents can install. It works even in power outages and offers robust security with 24/7 expert monitoring. It is equipped with security cameras, an alarm system, a video doorbell, and various sensors for motion, fire, and smoke detection. In case of any issue, it sends real-time updates and ensures a tailored response through expert monitoring.
You can also opt for the eufy PoE NVR System S4 Max. It covers multiple locations with powerful security cameras. They sync together and automatically track and focus on objects. The local AI agent detects threats and danger in real-time. Users can act quickly to ensure the safety of their house.
Car Security
Protect your car with a security camera. You can also install a dashcam inside.
Prefer to park in well-lit areas where you see public activity. Lock the doors and keep valuable items inside the car out of sight.
Before going outdoors, plan a route and select safe areas to reach any place. For added safety, use special locks and GPS trackers.
Night Security
If you are walking at night, pick well-lit public areas. Do not engage with strangers and keep your valuable items away. Pay attention to the surroundings, and if you sense any danger, trust your instincts and stay away from that area. Plan your route in the first place and prefer to go in a group.
Neighborhood Security
Get in touch with your neighbors and build a healthy relationship. They are the nearest people to reach out to in case of any issue.
Participate in neighborhood watch programs and other activities to reduce the crime rate. Be active in social gatherings and meetups organized for the safety of residents. They keep you updated with the latest crimes and how you can save yourself.
FAQs
What city has the highest crime rate in Alabama?
Bessemer has the highest crime rate in Alabama. Its overall crime rate is 102.49 per 1,000 residents. The violent and property crime rates are 23.57 and 78.92 per 1,000 residents, respectively.
What city in Alabama has the most murders?
Birmingham has the most murder cases. There were 122 murders reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). Its murder rate is 0.62, which is ten times higher than the state rate of 0.06.
What’s the safest city to live in in Alabama?
The safest city in Alabama is Rainsville. It’s a city with zero murders and robbery cases. There were only two violent crimes in a year, and the rate is 0.35 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate is 1.39 per 1,000 residents, which is also much lower than the state median of 19.
