Birmingham, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Birmingham, AL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Birmingham crime rate is 151.9% 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 Birmingham, there were 3280 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1682 per 100,000 individuals, 354.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Birmingham recorded 8139 property crimes, amounting to 4173 per 100,000 residents, 113.5% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 5854 per 100,000 residents, Birmingham experiences a crime rate that is 151.89% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Birmingham contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Birmingham is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1682 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Birmingham is 1 in 60.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Birmingham stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Birmingham, a total of 142 murders were reported, equating to 73 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Birmingham faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4173 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Birmingham stands at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

With a total of 1799 vehicle thefts last year, Birmingham has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 922 per 100,000 people. This lands Birmingham in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 109.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Birmingham?

What do the local residents think about crime in Birmingham? Well, based on a recent survey of 210 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 29% of Birmingham residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 71% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Birmingham a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Birmingham 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 Birmingham crime rate is 152% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 31.28 crimes per day - 8.99 violent crimes and 22.3 property crimes.

Has Crime in Birmingham Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Birmingham. 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 Birmingham has decreased by 34.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 18.5%, while property crime has decreased by 38.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Birmingham.

Potential Causes for Crime in Birmingham

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 Birmingham crime rate. The poverty level in Birmingham is 24.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Birmingham, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Birmingham, the median home price stands at $97,500, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Birmingham crime map