Is Birmingham Alabama Safe? 👮🚓 | A Guide to the Crime Rate in Birmingham Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama, is the largest city in the state and the heart of the Greater Birmingham metro area. The area is known for its history in the civil rights movement, thriving food scene, and affordable lifestyle, making it a popular choice for newcomers attracted by the Birmingham cost of living.
If you’re thinking about moving to Birmingham, it’s important to consider safety and community. Many people wonder, “Is Birmingham Alabama safe?” Like any major metro area, the crime rate in Birmingham Alabama varies by neighborhood and can affect daily life, property values, and overall peace of mind. Understanding local crime data helps new Birmingham residents choose the right area to call home.
While the Birmingham Alabama crime rate is higher than in some other cities, most violent crime and property crime are concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Many residential and suburban areas, such as Crestwood, Avondale, and parts of Hoover, are safe and family-friendly. Before making a move, take time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, compare safety statistics, and learn more about what makes Birmingham both dynamic and complex among America’s more dangerous cities.
Understanding the Crime Rate in Birmingham Alabama - How Are Crime Rates Calculated?
Is Birmingham Alabama safe? When answering this question, many people turn to the crime rate in Birmingham Alabama for answers. However, it’s important to know how crime data is calculated before doing this.
The Birmingham crime rate is based on FBI data that is provided by local law enforcement in US cities. The FBI will look at the total number of crimes committed in an area and then divide it by the population. Then, the number will be divided by 1,000 and reported as “X number of crimes per 100,000 people.” It’s also split into the categories of overall crime, violent crime, and property crime, and then compared to the state and national averages.
While the crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is a good way to get a general idea about crime in the area, you shouldn’t use it as your only source of information. In fact, the FBI actually discourages using crime rates to compare crime in different cities, according to Denver Channel 7. Crime reporting is completely voluntary, meaning that unreported vs reported thefts, assaults, and other crimes may not be accurate. Instead, one city may seem safer than another when, in reality, they have just elected not to report their crime statistics.
Additionally, crime reports lack context. According to CNN, it may seem like homicide rates are high; however, they are actually lower than when homicide rates were at their highest in the 1980s and 1990s. This means that crime has been decreasing over the past few decades, even if crime over the past few years has risen.
What Is the Crime Rate in Birmingham Alabama?
So, is Birmingham Alabama safe? The crime rate in Birmingham Alabama provides a snapshot of crime data in the city. Let’s dive into the Birmingham crime statistics and compare them to the state and national averages.
Birmingham Alabama Crime Rate:
- Total crime rate: 5,854 crimes per 100,000 people
- Birmingham property crime rate: 4,173 crimes per 100,000 people
- Birmingham violent crime rate: 1,682 crimes per 100,000 people
- Chance of being a victim of crime in Birmingham: 1 in 59
Here’s how crime in Birmingham Alabama compares to the state and national averages.
| Category | Birmingham | Alabama | National | Birmingham vs. Alabama | Birmingham vs. National |
| Total Crime Rate | 5,854 crimes per 100,000 people | 2,148 crimes per 100,000 people | 2,324 crimes per 100,000 people | 172.5% higher | 151.9% higher |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,173 crimes per 100,000 people | 1,739 crimes per 100,000 people | 1,954 crimes per 100,000 people | 140.0% higher | 113.5% higher |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,682 crimes per 100,000 people | 409 crimes per 100,000 people | 370 crimes per 100,000 people | 311.1% higher | 354.9% higher |
As you can see, Birmingham has increased crime rates compared to the state and national averages. It also sees more crime than many cities near Birmingham. Although the crime rates are higher, it is important to remember that Birmingham is a very large city, and crime rates will naturally be higher because the population density is so high. Additionally, most of the crime is concentrated in just a few neighborhoods.
Birmingham Crime Map & Crime Reports
A great way to visualize crime in the area is to take a look at a Birmingham crime map or Birmingham crime reports. This Birmingham crime map from Neighborhood Scout shows where the crime is concentrated in Birmingham. The darker areas represent areas that see more crime, while the lighter areas represent areas that see little to no crime at all.
Violent Crime in Birmingham
Are you curious about the violent crime rate in Birmingham Alabama? Examples of violent offenses include things like armed robbery, aggravated assault, kidnapping, homicide, battery, rape, and Birmingham shootings.
Birmingham Violent Crime Rate:
- Overall Birmingham violent crime rate: 1,682 crimes per 100,000 people (311.1% higher than state average and 354.9% higher than the national average)
- Birmingham murder rate: 73 per 100,000 people (569.7% higher than state average and 1050.0% higher than national average)
- Birmingham homicide rate by year: 142
- Chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Birmingham: 1 in 59
Violent crime in Birmingham is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. While there is still a lot of work to be done, WBRC reports that homicides are down nearly 50% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Property Crime in Birmingham
What about property crime rates in Birmingham AL? Property crime includes things like motor vehicle theft, arson, shoplifting, vandalism, and carjacking.
Birmingham Property Crime Rate:
- Overall property crime rate: 4,173 crimes per 100,000 people (140.0% higher than state average and 113.5% higher than national average)
- Total property crimes in Birmingham (2022): 8,139
- Chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Birmingham: 1 in 24
Property crime is higher than the state and national average, and many of the property crimes come in the form of auto theft, with over 1,300 vehicles stolen in 2024, according to WBMA. Although property crime is frustrating, safety concerns are lower with this type of crime, and you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim by taking the proper precautions.
Worst Neighborhoods in Birmingham AL | Areas to Avoid in Birmingham Alabama
Is Birmingham Alabama safe? Birmingham is generally safe, but it’s important to be aware of dangerous neighborhoods where the crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is generally higher. Here are a few Birmingham bad areas to keep in mind when looking for a place to settle down.
Airport Highlands
Airport Highlands is ranked as one of the worst neighborhoods in Birmingham AL, with a high number of thefts, assaults, burglaries, and robberies.
Ensley
The Ensley neighborhood has a median home price of only $60,000, according to Redfin, making it one of the most affordable neighborhoods in the city. However, the low-cost real estate comes with a higher crime rate, especially the vehicle theft rate.
South Pratt
The South Pratt area is centered around a busy commercial area, leading to higher property crime rates.
Safest Neighborhoods in Birmingham AL
If you’re asking yourself, “Is Birmingham Alabama safe?” the answer is yes, in many areas. Here are a few safe neighborhoods in Birmingham AL where the crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is lower.
Crestwood North
Crestwood North is a beautiful area home to gorgeous single family homes and the top-rated Birmingham School District.
Avondale
This young, hip area is known for its eclectic coffee shops, vintage stores, and craft breweries and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Birmingham. This area is also close to nearby cities like Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills.
Glen Iris
Glen Iris is a historic neighborhood in Birmingham’s Southside with beautiful homes, walkable streets, and close proximity to attractions like the Birmingham Zoo.
Birmingham Alabama Safety Tips - How to Avoid Crime in Birmingham Alabama
So, how safe is Birmingham Alabama? Although the crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is on the higher end, it’s still a safe place to live. Here are a few helpful tips to consider to keep yourself and your property safe.
- Know which neighborhoods to be cautious around: Some areas consistently report high rates of violent crime and property crime, like Airport Highlands, Ensley, and South Pratt.
- Be careful in nightlife/entertainment districts like the Five Points South area
- Travel in groups at night, stay on well-lit streets, and avoid showing valuables
- Watch for car break-ins & theft in the downtown area, where central areas with lots of traffic and parking lots tend to attract auto theft and break-ins
- Use trusted routes and limit shortcuts through alleys and backstreets
- Install motion-sensor lights, cameras, or a monitored alarm system
- Keep sidelights or rear entrances locked
- Get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood watch groups
- Use resources like crime-mapping websites or apps that show crime data near your address
- Trust your instincts and stay alert
Birmingham Police Department
The crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is monitored by the Birmingham Police Department. The Birmingham Police Department serves over 212,000 residents with 912 sworn police officers and 325 professional staff members. The department is led by Chief Michael Pickett, who was appointed on April 1, 2025. He has implemented an 8-Point Crime Reduction Plan, relaunched the Police Athletic Teams, and led initiatives that have reduced the city’s violent crime rate by 47%.
Birmingham police reports are public information and can be requested on the department’s website.
The Birmingham Police Department, 1710 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, (205) 254-1700
Birmingham AL Crime Rate FAQs
Is Birmingham Alabama Safe?
Yes, Birmingham Alabama is safe. Although the city has higher-than-average crime rates, there are many areas that see little to no crime at all.
Is Downtown Birmingham Safe?
Yes, Downtown Birmingham is safe. If you’re visiting or living in the area, it’s just important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
What Is the Crime Rate in Birmingham Alabama?
The crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is 5,854 crimes per 100,000 people.
How Many Birmingham Murders Are There Per Year?
The latest calculation of the Birmingham murders, by year, was 142.
Is Birmingham Alabama Safe?
So, is Birmingham Alabama safe? Although Birmingham experiences a higher crime rate, the city is a very safe place to live. The crime rate in Birmingham Alabama is actively being managed by the Police Department, and the city has many initiatives set in place to prevent crime from happening. If you are considering moving to Birmingham, then the team at This Side Up Moving is ready to assist you.
Give our Birmingham movers a call today at (205) 484-9360 to get started with a free quote.
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