Philips ConnorThe most dangerous cities in Alabama seem to be the larger ones; with so many people and so little economic opportunities, crime seems to be the natural thing. Crime in Alabama comes in the forms of property crime, aggravated assault, robbery, rape and murder.
This state sees about 7% more crime than the national average, and some of these crimes seem to be on the increase, despite efforts to tackle them.
Here are the most important crime hotspots in the state, and all the important details.
Most Dangerous Cities In Alabama
1. Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, is the largest city in the state and has historically struggled with high crime rates. The city experiences elevated levels of violent crime, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and armed robberies. Certain neighborhoods, particularly in the western and northern parts of the city, have been hotspots for gang activity and drug-related crimes.
Birmingham’s crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama. Property crimes, such as burglary and motor vehicle theft, are also prevalent, with many residents reporting break-ins and stolen vehicles.
Despite efforts to revitalize the downtown area and improve public safety, crime remains a major concern. The city’s economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment, contribute to the high crime rate. Law enforcement agencies continue to implement crime prevention strategies, but Birmingham remains a city where residents and visitors must exercise caution, especially at night.
2. Fairfield
Fairfield, Alabama, is a small city with a disproportionately high crime rate compared to its population size. Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, occur at a rate much higher than the national average. The city has struggled with economic decline, leading to increased criminal activity. Fairfield’s property crime rate is also alarming, with frequent reports of burglaries and vehicle thefts. The city’s financial struggles have impacted law enforcement resources, making crime prevention efforts more challenging.
Many residents express concerns about safety, particularly in certain neighborhoods where crime is more concentrated. Fairfield’s proximity to Birmingham means that some of the crime trends affecting Birmingham also spill over into Fairfield. Despite community efforts to improve safety, crime remains a persistent issue, making Fairfield one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama.
3. Mobile
Mobile, Alabama, is a coastal city with a rich history, but it also has a high crime rate. Violent crimes, including homicides, assaults, and robberies, are common in certain areas. The city’s crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, with property crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft being major concerns.
Mobile’s crime issues are often linked to economic disparities, drug-related activity, and gang violence. While the downtown and waterfront areas have seen revitalization efforts, crime remains a challenge in many neighborhoods. Law enforcement agencies continue to work on crime reduction strategies, but residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially in high-crime areas.
4. Tarrant
Tarrant, Alabama, is a small city with a crime rate that has fluctuated over the years. While violent crime has decreased in recent years, property crime remains a significant issue. Burglaries, thefts, and vehicle-related crimes are common, making residents wary of their surroundings. The city has faced economic challenges, contributing to crime-related concerns.
Law enforcement efforts have helped reduce violent crime, but property crime continues to be a problem. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect their homes and vehicles.
5. Bessemer
Bessemer, Alabama, consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The city has a high violent crime rate, including homicides, assaults, and armed robberies. Property crime is also a major issue, with frequent reports of burglaries and vehicle thefts. Bessemer’s economic struggles have contributed to crime, with poverty and unemployment being significant factors.
Despite efforts to improve safety, crime remains a major concern for residents. Law enforcement agencies continue to work on crime prevention strategies, but caution is advised when traveling through certain areas.
6. Atmore
Atmore, Alabama, has a high crime rate relative to its population size. Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, occur frequently, and property crimes such as burglaries and vehicle thefts are common.
The city’s economic challenges have contributed to crime-related concerns. Law enforcement efforts aim to reduce crime, but residents remain cautious, especially in high-crime areas.
7. Prichard
Prichard, Alabama, has one of the highest crime rates in the state. Violent crimes, including homicides and assaults, are prevalent, and property crimes such as burglaries and thefts are common.
The city has struggled with economic decline, leading to increased criminal activity. Law enforcement agencies continue to work on crime prevention, but residents are advised to remain vigilant.
8. Demopolis
Demopolis, Alabama, has a high crime rate, particularly in violent offenses such as assaults and robberies. Property crime, including theft and burglary, is also a significant issue. The city’s economic challenges have contributed to crime-related concerns. Law enforcement efforts aim to reduce crime, but residents remain cautious.
9. Dothan
Dothan, Alabama, is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” but it also has a crime rate significantly higher than the national average. The city has a violent crime rate of 152% above the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 102 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Assaults and robberies are particularly common, contributing to the city’s reputation for being unsafe.
Property crime is also a major issue, with burglary and vehicle theft rates 109% higher than the national average. Economic challenges, including a poverty rate of 18%, have contributed to crime-related concerns. While Dothan has a thriving business sector and a strong agricultural presence, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, making safety a concern for residents and visitors alike.
10. Anniston
Anniston, Alabama, has one of the highest crime rates in the state, with a violent crime rate of 59 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.. Residents have a 1 in 17 chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime. The city has struggled with economic decline, leading to increased criminal activity. Assaults, robberies, and homicides are prevalent, with Anniston ranking among the worst cities in Alabama for violent crime.
Property crime is also a major concern, with burglary and theft rates significantly above the national average. Despite efforts to improve safety, Anniston remains a city where caution is advised.
11. Phenix City
Phenix City, Alabama, has a crime rate 47 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state. Residents have a 1 in 21 chance of being a victim of crime. Violent crime, including homicides, assaults, and robberies, is a major concern, with the city ranking among the highest in the nation for violent offenses.
Property crime is also prevalent, with burglary and vehicle theft rates significantly above the national average. Phenix City has a history of organized crime, dating back to the mid-20th century, and while law enforcement has made strides in reducing crime, certain areas remain unsafe.
12. Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Alabama, has a crime rate 30 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the more dangerous cities in the state. Residents have a 1 in 34 chance of being a victim of crime. Violent crime, including assaults and robberies, is a major concern, with Jacksonville ranking among the highest in Alabama for violent offenses.
Property crime is also prevalent, with burglary and theft rates significantly above the national average. While Jacksonville is home to Jacksonville State University, which brings a vibrant student population, certain areas experience higher crime rates, making safety a concern for residents and visitors.
Summary
Every city has to deal with some crime; and the most dangerous cities in Alabama seem to have worked their way to infamy. However, there are efforts underway to bring the crime rates under control, and steer these cities on the path of gentrification. If these efforts are successful, the state will see far less crime, and more business.