B-
31%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
24%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
33%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCottonwood/100k peopleAlabama/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime16n/a (estimate)1,4591,9252,119
Murder0n/a0.08.75.0
Rape0n/a0.025.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.034.060.6
Assault3n/a273.5291.4256.1
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)273360359
Burglary3n/a273.5243.5229.2
Theft10n/a911.61,148.51,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0173.0258.8
Property crime13n/a (estimate)1,1851,5651,760

Cottonwood crime map

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The Cottonwood crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cottonwood as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Cottonwood crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cottonwood crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Cottonwood, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Cottonwood is 31.2% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Cottonwood, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 273 per 100,000 individuals, 23.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 13 property crimes, amounting to 1185 per 100,000 residents, 32.7% lower than the U.S. average.

Cottonwood showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Cottonwood was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.

Is Cottonwood a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Cottonwood is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Cottonwood has an overall crime rate that is 31% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.04 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Cottonwood as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Cottonwood Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Cottonwood. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Cottonwood has increased by 33.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 50%, while property crimes have increased by 30%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cottonwood

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Cottonwood, 71.4% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In Cottonwood, the cost of living is 20.84% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Cottonwood, the average rental rates are $781 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Cottonwood, AL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cottonwood crime rates are 31% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cottonwood are 24% lower than the national average
      • In Cottonwood you have a 1 in 69 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cottonwood is safer than 38% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cottonwood has decreased by 26%

      Cottonwood, AL Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cottonwood (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Cottonwood (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cottonwood

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cottonwood is 1 in 366
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cottonwood is 1 in 85
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cottonwood is 1 in 69

        Year Over Year Crime In Cottonwood (per 100,000 people)

        Cottonwood police department

        Item Cottonwood Alabama National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)49,968558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.14.13.3
        There are a total of 4 Cottonwood police officers. This results in 3.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 24.5% less than the Alabama average and 5.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Alabama

        State Total offenders Alabama /100K National /100K
        Alabama10,698231266
        There are a total of 10,698 sex offenders in Alabama. This yields a total of 231 sex offenders in Alabama per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Taylor, AL2,840000
        Ashford, AL2,48585467552
        Rehobeth, AL1,989112486598
        Cowarts, AL2,214148643791
        Graceville, FL2,236131698829
        Malvern, AL1,758158687845
        Webb, AL1,493167725892
        Cottonwood, AL1,1582731,1851,459

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Miles, TX1,1581060106
        Ansonia, OH1,158130687818
        Luna Pier, MI1,158149475624
        Edwards, MS1,15897632730
        Waynesburg, OH1,158121637758
        Cottonwood, AL1,1582731,1851,459
        Source: The Cottonwood, AL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.