What Are the Safest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL?
If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to Birmingham, Alabama, you probably want to know which neighborhoods are safe and which aren’t. Birmingham’s crime rate is slightly lower than the national average — it ranks in the 55th percentile for safety, meaning it’s safer than 55% of cities in the U.S.
Here’s a closer look at specific types of crime and areas in Birmingham.
Property Crime
According to FBI data, Birmingham has one of the highest property crime rates in Alabama.
Property crimes include:
- Vehicle theft
- Burglary
- Arson
- Larceny
- Theft
Residents say there’s more property theft in the central parts of the city, with fewer cases reported in the north. That said, the city has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the country, with a 1 in 108 chance of having your vehicle stolen in the area.
Violent Crime
Birmingham also sees a large number of violent crimes compared to other cities of the same size.
Violent crimes include:
- Rape
- Murder
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated assault
Statistically, you have a 1 in 59 chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Birmingham. However, cities with large populations tend to report higher crime rates, so this isn’t entirely unprecedented.
The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
Certain sections of Birmingham struggle with high crime rates, and you may see fit to avoid them. They include:
Airport Highlands
Airport Highlands is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Birmingham, with an alarming number of reported thefts, burglaries, assaults, and robberies. The many violent and property crimes are a cause of concern for many residents and visitors.
Ensley
The median real estate price in Ensley is lower than 88.5% of other areas in Alabama and lower than 92.5% of similar neighborhoods in the U.S. However, the bargain in real estate comes with the burden of crime, with an especially high violent crime rate.
East Lake
This neighborhood, which is part of the East Lake community of Birmingham, sees its fair share of crime. You may want to avoid the neighborhood due to its unusually high rate of violent crimes.
South Pratt
South Pratt was established around the Pratt mines and grew quickly due to associated commercial activities. Unfortunately, it’s associated with significant violent and property crimes, along with a host of other social issues.
The Safest Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham also has some remarkably safe neighborhoods, such as:
Brook Highland
Brook Highland offers residents and visitors a mix of urban and suburban elements. Its crime rate is lower than 70% of other neighborhoods, and it boasts good public schools and an abundance of professionals.
Highland Lakes
Highland Lakes offers exquisite scenery without the concerns of personal safety that plague some areas. Its low crime rate makes it an ideal residential hub.
Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hills is one of the safest neighborhoods in Birmingham. Residents enjoy low crime rates and report that the police in the area are responsive. If you’re thinking about relocating to Birmingham, this neighborhood should be among your first choices.
Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is another remarkably safe community, with a relatively low crime rate of 35.37 per 1,000 residents in a year. It has few violent crimes reported per year and an equally low incidence of property crimes.
Staying Safe in Birmingham
Like any other city, Birmingham is constantly evolving. The safest neighborhood today may not be the safest in five years, and today’s dangerous areas may be tomorrow’s up-and-coming communities. It’s important to stay informed, do your research, and remember that statistics never tell the whole story.