Central City Neighborhood, Birmingham
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Safer than 20% of neighborhoods in Birmingham
Safety at a Glance
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in Birmingham
Is Central City Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. Central City in Birmingham, AL has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average of 100. Central City is safer than 20% of neighborhoods in Birmingham.
Compared to the Birmingham average (crime index 140), Central City is 47% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 117).
Central City Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Birmingham city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
189 | +89% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
How Central City Compares
Crime index by category: Central City vs Birmingham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central City Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central City Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central City, Birmingham?
Central City in Birmingham, AL has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average. Compared to the Birmingham average, crime in Central City is 47% higher. Central City is safer than 20% of neighborhoods in Birmingham.
Is Central City a safe neighborhood in Birmingham?
Central City has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 189), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 117).
How does Central City compare to the rest of Birmingham?
Central City's overall crime index is 187, compared to the Birmingham average of 140. This means crime in Central City is 47% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 175, and for property crime it is 158. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central City?
The most prevalent crime type in Central City is Rape, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central City?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Highland Park. These areas are close to Central City and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central City?
Central City has a population of approximately 2,143. The median household income is $39,597. The median home value is $302,709. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central City crime compare to the national average?
Central City's overall crime rate is 87% above the national average (index 187 vs 100). Within Birmingham, it is safer than 20% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.