Alabama is located in the southeastern region of the US and shares borders with Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a state consisting of 174 cities and 287 towns, and the total population is 5.024 million.
Whether you are looking to move or visit Alabama, you should be aware of the safest cities to enjoy peace of mind. We have compiled this list of the top 10 safest cities in Alabama. We will share the recent crime statistics to give you an idea of how safe these cities are.
How Safe is Alabama?
Alabama is generally safe, and its overall crime rate is lower than the national average and many states. However, safety depends on the city you live in.
The violent crime rate of the state is 4.04 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the national median of 4 per 1,000 residents. A total of 20,635 crimes were reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
The property crime rate of the state is 16.99, which is lower than the national median of 19. A total of 86,793 crimes were reported in the same year.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 248, and property crimes are 1 in 59. The crimes per square mile in the state are 10, which is much lower than the national median of 26.5.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
Top 10 Safest Cities in Alabama
Rainsville
Rainsville is the safest city in Alabama. Its overall crime rate is only 1.73 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 10 reported cases.
Only two violent crimes were reported in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). The violent crime rate of the city is 0.35 per 1,000 residents, which is 91% lower than the national median of 4. It is a city with zero murder and zero robbery cases in the year.
The property crime rate is 1.39 per 1,000 residents, which is also a lot less than the national median of 19. With zero motor vehicle theft, the total number of property crimes is 8.
Southside
Southside is safer than 81% of the US cities. Its crime rate is 3.23 per 1,000 residents with a total of 31 reported cases.
The violent crime rate is 0.63 per 1,000 residents. There are only 6 reported cases, and the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 1600.
The property crime rate is 2.60 per 1,000 residents, and the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 384.
Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia is a safe city in Alabama with zero murders and robberies, according to the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
Its violent crime rate is 0.87 per 1,000 residents, and the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 1,146.
The property crime rate is also low, 5.67 per 1,000 residents, which is less than one-third of the national median (19).
Lake View
Lake View’s overall crime rate is 5.25 per 1,000 residents. Out of which, the violent crime rate is 1.84 per 1,000 residents. It includes “0” murders, “0” rapes, “0” robberies, and “7” assaults.
The property crime rate is 3.42 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 13 property crimes in a year. Worth noting is zero burglaries.
Argo
Argo is another safe city in Alabama with a population of approximately 4,300. In the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023), 28 total crimes were reported.
Its violent crime rate is 0.92 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 4 violent crimes. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 1092.
The property crime rate is 5.5 per 1,000 residents, and the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 182.
Helena
Helena is safer than 64% of the US cities. It has a population of 22,117, and only 129 were reported in a year.
The violent crime rate is 0.45 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 10 crimes. The chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 2,212.
The property crime rate is 5.38 per 1,000 residents. There are 119 cases reported, and the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 186.
Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hill has a population of 38,020, and despite this, the crime rate is low. The violent crime rate is 0.76, with a total of 29 reported cases. It’s a city with zero murder cases.
The property crime rate is 8.52 per 1,000 residents, which is 55% lower than the national median of 19. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 117.
Huntsville
Huntsville has a massive population of 225,564, which is a lot more than the cities we have listed. Its total crime rate is 8.83 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate of the city is 1.32 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 759.
The property crime rate is 7.51 per 1,000 residents, which is 60% lower than the national median of 19.
Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is safer than 42% of the US cities. Its violent crime rate is 0.64 per 1,000 residents. There were “1” murder, “2” rape, “2” robbery, and “9” assault cases reported in a year.
The property crime rate of the city is 9.94 per 1,000 residents. With a total of 216 crimes in a year, the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 101.
Daphne
Daphne’s total population is 30,321, and despite this number, the crime rate is lower than the national median.
The violent crime rate is 0.49 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 15 crimes. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 2,021.
The property crime rate is 11.64 per 1,000 residents. A total of 353 crimes were reported, and the chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 86.
Source: NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes
Common Crimes in Alabama
Violent Crimes
Assault: It is the most common violent crime, with a rate of 3.28 per 1,000 residents, which is 24% higher than the national median of 2.64 per 1,000 residents.
Robbery: It is the second-highest crime with 1,832 cases and a rate of 0.36, which is 6% lower than the national median of 0.67 per 1,000 residents.
Rape: With 1,514 rape cases, the rate of the crime is 0.30 per 1,000 residents. It is 21% lower than the national median of 0.38 per 1,000 residents.
Murder: Alabama’s murder rate is 0.10 per 1,000 residents, which is 66% higher than the national average of 0.6.
Property Crimes
Theft: A total of 63,333 theft cases were reported in a year. Its rate is 12.40 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national median of 13.47.
Burglary: The burglary rate in Alabama is 2.55, which is slightly higher than the national rate of 2.51.
Motor Vehicle Theft: It’s also lower in Alabama, with a rate of 2.05 per 1,000 residents. However, the national rate of crime is 3.19.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
How Residents Can Ensure Their Safety in Alabama?
No matter how safe your city is, you need to ensure your safety on your own. That’s how you can avoid being a victim of crime.
Home Security
The best way to secure your home is to install a robust security system. It protects your house from criminals and intruders and keeps you updated to respond quickly.
eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is a comprehensive security system with 24/7 professional monitoring. It secures your house with security cameras, an alarm system, video doorbells, smoke/fire sensors, and motion sensors. It monitors everything and keeps you updated with real-time alerts.
Another excellent option is eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max. Its powerful security cameras capture every moment with intricate details and keep you updated. The local AI agent deters genuine threats and ensures a tailored response.
Vehicle Security
For vehicle security, you can opt for vehicle security cameras or dash cams. They detect any break-in and send real-time alerts. Install GPS trackers and special locking systems to prevent your car from getting stolen.
Always keep your valuable items out of sight. Park in a well-lit area and lock the doors. Do not give lifts to strangers and share your location with your loved ones.
Outdoor Security
When you are outdoors, stay vigilant. Keep an eye on the surroundings and stay away from strangers. Plan your route and pick safe neighborhoods and areas with public activities.
Do not flaunt valuable items. Keep your smartphone in your pocket or bag and walk confidently. If you are in a public place, watch your pockets and bags.
FAQs
What is the safest city in Alabama?
The safest city in Alabama is Rainsville. The violent crime rate of the city is 0.35 (91% lower than the national median), and the property crime rate is 1.39 per 1,000 residents.
What is the safest county in Alabama?
Madison County is the safest county in Alabama. Its violent crime rate is 1.18, and its property crime rate is 9.28 per 1,000 residents. It’s a county with zero murder cases in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
Is moving to Alabama a good idea?
Yes, moving to Alabama is a good idea because of its low crime rate, low cost of living, natural beauty with diverse landscapes, and relaxed pace of life. It’s an ideal option for retirees because of no state income tax on retirement income, and for people who prefer mild winters.
