South Woodlawn Neighborhood, Birmingham
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very high crime — well above the national average across categories
Safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Birmingham
Safety at a Glance
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in Birmingham
Is South Woodlawn Safe?
No — this area has very high crime. South Woodlawn in Birmingham, AL has a safety grade of F+. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average of 100. South Woodlawn is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Birmingham.
Compared to the Birmingham average (crime index 140), South Woodlawn is 50% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 188, 88% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 12).
South Woodlawn 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
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Assault
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
12 | -88% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
182 | +82% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
How South Woodlawn Compares
Crime index by category: South Woodlawn vs Birmingham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Woodlawn Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Woodlawn Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Woodlawn, Birmingham?
South Woodlawn in Birmingham, AL has a crime safety grade of F+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. Compared to the Birmingham average, crime in South Woodlawn is 50% higher. South Woodlawn is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Birmingham.
Is South Woodlawn a safe neighborhood in Birmingham?
South Woodlawn has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Assault (index: 188), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 12).
How does South Woodlawn compare to the rest of Birmingham?
South Woodlawn's overall crime index is 190, compared to the Birmingham average of 140. This means crime in South Woodlawn is 50% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 140, and for property crime it is 141. 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 South Woodlawn?
The most prevalent crime type in South Woodlawn is Assault, with a crime index of 188 (88% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Woodlawn?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Gate City, Crestwood North and Crestwood South. These areas are close to South Woodlawn and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Woodlawn?
South Woodlawn has a population of approximately 602. The median household income is $27,313. The median home value is $205,624. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Woodlawn crime compare to the national average?
South Woodlawn's overall crime rate is 90% above the national average (index 190 vs 100). Within Birmingham, it is safer than 7% 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.