A new report is shedding light on crime across Alabama, and some cities stand out as the most dangerous in the state.
Home security company Reolink analyzed the latest crime data from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the FBI to rank the most dangerous cities in the state. The findings are based on reported crime incidents of both violent and property crimes.
Violent crime included:
Homicide
Rape
Robbery
Aggravated assault
Property crime included:
Burglary
Theft
Auto theft
Using these metrics, Reolink identified the top 10 most dangerous cities in Alabama. Here's what they found and why these cities ranked where they did.
What is the most dangerous city in Alabama?
Birmingham tops the list as Alabama's most dangerous city, with 14.2 violent crimes and 52.6 property crimes per 1,000 residents, according to Reolink. Reolink also recognizes Birmingham as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.
The city's West Precinct alone accounts for 38% of all shootings, while downtown areas report frequent carjackings. Police say new drone technology has helped reduce response times by 30%, and local intervention programs have led to a 22% drop in youth gang recruitment. Still, economic challenges continue to strain law enforcement resources in high-risk areas.
What makes Tuscaloosa dangerous?
Crime around the University of Alabama surges on game days, with violent and property crime rates jumping 40% near campus. But the “Safe Strip” initiative, targeting bar-heavy areas, has helped, cutting bar-related crimes by 18%.
In student housing zones, auto theft remains a concern, averaging 9.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Better lighting in parking lots is making a difference, slashing nighttime offenses by 22%.
What is the safest city in Alabama?
Vestavia Hills ranks as one of the safest cities in Alabama, reporting just 0.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. The Birmingham suburb credits its low crime rate to a strong community policing model and top-rated schools.
Which cities are the most dangerous?
According to Reolink, these are the most dangerous cities in Alabama.
Birmingham
Bessemer
Mobile
Montgomery
Selma
Anniston
Prichard
Gadsden
Tuscaloosa
Dothan
Where are the most dangerous cities in America?
According to Reolink, these are the most dangerous cities in America.
Memphis, Tennessee
St. Louis, Missouri
Little Rock, Arkansas
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Detroit, Michigan
Kansas City, Missouri
New Orleans, Louisiana
Cleveland, Ohio
Birmingham, Alabama
Houston, Texas
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Is Tuscaloosa one of Alabama's most dangerous? Study says yes
Comments