Athens, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Athens, AL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Athens crime rate is 24.7% 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 Athens, there were 59 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 207 per 100,000 individuals, 43.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Athens recorded 765 property crimes, amounting to 2690 per 100,000 residents, 37.6% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Athens?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Athens. Based on the results of the surveys (18 responses), 67% of people felt that there was very little crime in Athens and felt safe walking alone at night. While 33% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Athens a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Athens a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Athens crime rate is 25% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.26 crimes per day - 0.16 violent crimes and 2.1 property crimes.

Has Crime in Athens Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Athens has increased by 147.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Athens is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 227.8%, while property crime has increased by 142.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Athens.

Potential Causes for Crime in Athens

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 Athens crime rates. For instance, in Athens, the population density stands at 657.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Athens, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.42 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Athens, the average monthly rent stands at $657, while the national average is $949 per month.

Athens crime map