Crime Rates In Alabama Show the Most Dangerous and Safest Cities in Alabama

The Foley criminal defense lawyers at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC examined the crime rates in Alabama to determine the safest and most dangerous communities in the State of Alabama. Our findings reveal that both violent and property crimes occur in all communities and across all racial and ethnic grounds.

What Factors Affect Crime Rates in Alabama?

There is little evidence to suggest that any one quality, characteristic, or attribute increases or decreases a community’s crime rate. Rather, crime is frequently a consequence of various societal shortcomings in the education, employment, and public institutions within a community. Attempts to reduce crime rates to a function of a race, gangs, or “thugs” is a generalized and erroneous answer for a complex and multi-faceted issue.

Our Methodology

In order to get started, we reviewed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) crime-related statistics from reporting cities, counties, and municipalities throughout the State of Alabama and beyond. These statistics can be helpful to identify crime trends, recognize successful crime reduction techniques, and target troubled communities.

The Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics categorize crime into two distinct types: Violent Crime and Property Crime. Violent Crime statistics are based on arrests of individuals charged with hurting another person. These statistics include charges of Murder/Negligent Manslaughter; Forcible Rape; Robbery; and Aggravated Assault. Conversely, the FBI categorizes Property Crimes as those individuals arrested for non-violent, property-related offenses. These charges include: Burglary; Larceny/Theft; and Motor Vehicle Theft.

To fairly compare each community under these standards, the FBI chooses to average each community’s crime statistics. Crime statistics are averaged on a per 100,000 resident formula. This formula is used even if a community has more or less than 100,000 residents to provide consistency to the national statistics.

Cities with the Highest Violent Crime Rates in Alabama

Based on the most recent FBI statistics from 2012, the following ten (10) Alabama communities can be recognized as having the highest violent crime rates in Alabama. Violent crime is frequently the manifestation of inadequate problem resolution skills between friends and family. Random acts of violent crime are rare, but they do occur. Lack of income opportunities, an absence of quality education/job prospects and systemic disenfranchisement also play significant roles in the growth of violent crime rates in a community. In 2012, violent crime was much more prevalent in communities with larger urban populations. Prichard, a close suburb of Mobile, Alabama, tops the list:

Cities with the Lowest Violent Crime Rates in Alabama

Conversely, the communities below had the lowest violent crime rates  in Alabama. Low violent crime rates can be recognized as a community’s acceptance and validation of institutional and non-violent problem resolution techniques. There is much debate as to what societal factors are most important in the pursuit of reducing violent crime. Strong community income opportunities, access to quality primary and secondary education, residents living at greater distances from one another, and community trust and respect for law enforcement and the Court system may all contribute to a reduced violent crime rate. In 2012, Mountain Brook, Alabama had the lowest violent crime rate in Alabama. Residents of Mountain Brook also enjoy high incomes, quality schools and low unemployment rates:

Cities with the Highest Property Crime Rates in Alabama

The below communities had the highest property crime rates in Alabama. Property crime, like violent crime, is also more prevalent in urban communities plagued with high unemployment rates and poor job/educational opportunities.

Cities with the Lowest Property Crime Rates in Alabama

The below communities had the lowest property crime rates  in Alabama in 2012. The communities in this list are characterized by higher average incomes, quality job and educational opportunities and—in some cases—more rural locales:

Cities with the Highest Aggregate Crime Rates in Alabama

Aggregate Crime Rates are calculated by adding the sum of Violent and Property crime rates within a community in a given year. The below communities had the highest aggregate crime rates in Alabama communities in 2012:

Cities with the Lowest Aggregate Crime Rates in Alabama

The below communities had the lowest aggregate crime rates in Alabama:

If you don’t see your community in the lists above, click here to see other Alabama communities.

When Negligent Actions Cause Injury

When victims are injured in the commission of a crime, there may be grounds for either a criminal or civil case. However, some injuries happen as the result of negligent actions by others, including those that lead to accidents causing serious injury. If you or someone you know needs legal advice or was injured seriously and wants to know if there is grounds for a legal case, contact our attorneys today.