Birmingham, AL Crime Rate & Safety

Birmingham, AL has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 201% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 93 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 17 chance for property crime. Birmingham has higher crime than 98% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Birmingham has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Approximately 46% of the city's 105 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Hollywood is one of the safest areas, while North Titusville has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Birmingham is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Birmingham are Hollywood, Samford University, Edgewood, Mayfair, and Redmont Park. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Birmingham include North Titusville, Garden Highlands, Smithfield, Graymont, and Roosevelt. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Birmingham is 1,072.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 182% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 93 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 14.1 per 100K (181% above average); aggravated assault at 795.5 per 100K (197% above average); robbery at 176.7 per 100K (139% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Birmingham is 5,956.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 225% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 17 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 752.5 per 100K (179% above average); larceny/theft at 4,251.3 per 100K (203% above average); vehicle theft at 952.7 per 100K (199% above average).

Birmingham's overall crime rate is 201% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (203% above average), while robbery is 139% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Birmingham has higher crime than 98% of them.

Visitors to Birmingham should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 225% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Hollywood, Samford University, Edgewood.

Alabama as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Birmingham's crime rate is 201% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Alabama city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Birmingham, with an estimated rate of 4,251.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 203% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,957 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,073 per 100K) in Birmingham, which is consistent with national trends.