Selma, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Selma, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Selma is 2.7% higher 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 Selma, there were 133 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 769 per 100,000 individuals, 107.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 280 property crimes, amounting to 1619 per 100,000 residents, 17.2% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Selma per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Selma, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

With a violent crime rate of 769 crimes per 100,000 residents, Selma is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Selma ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 131 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Selma ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Selma, there were a total of 7 murders, translating to 40 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Selma?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Selma residents. Out of the respondents (30 in total), 13% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Selma were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 87% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Selma a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Selma 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 Selma crime rate is 3% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.13 crimes per day - 0.36 violent crimes and 0.77 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Selma

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Selma, 74.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Selma, the cost of living is 19.27% lower than the national average.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Selma is $90,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Selma crime map