If you are considering moving to or visiting Alabama, think more carefully about which cities to visit and which to avoid.
You’d be surprised at how quickly crime can turn a great place into a stressful one.
You want to steer clear of a neighborhood where break-ins, assaults, or thefts are a regular occurrence. That’s why knowing the most dangerous cities matters.
In this guide, we give you the top 10 crime-prone cities of Alabama in 2025. We’ll provide you with precise numbers, real context, and practical tips to protect yourself. By the end, you’ll know precisely which areas to avoid and how to stay safe. Believe it or not, businesses are still staying safe in these high-risk cities by integrating remote video monitoring.
How we ranked the most dangerous cities in Alabama (2025):
We sifted through the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to rank the most dangerous cities in Alabama for 2025.
But that’s not it. To ensure accuracy and credibility, we also bring you information from residents, local news channels, and opinions from legal experts.
The analysis focused on key metrics, including violent crime rates, property crime rates, population size, and year-over-year trends, to provide a clear picture of each city’s safety.
The updated and fresh 2025 facts and figures give you the most realistic perspective on crime trends and community safety in Alabama today.
The 10 most dangerous cities in Alabama (2025):
1. Birmingham:
Birmingham crime rate:
| Catégorie | Number of Crimes | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
| Violent Crimes | 3,076 | 15.64 |
| Property Crimes | 9,243 | 47.00 |
| Total Crimes | 12,319 | 62.65 |
Birmingham, Alabama, faces persistent safety challenges, ranking as safer than only 1% of U.S. cities. Its violent crime rate is over 15 per 1,000 residents, which is nearly four times the national average, while property crime affects roughly 1 in 16 people yearly.
Why Birmingham, Alabama, stays high on “dangerous city” lists:
Birmingham, Alabama, has been living through a mix of progress and pain. In 2024, the city faced a record 151 homicides. The biggest tragic event was the Hush Lounge shooting, which profoundly affected the community and led to new gun law reforms.
Signes de progrès :
By mid-2025, things began to shift. Homicides dropped sharply, showing hope for change, even though other crimes increased. Violent crime rose by about 2%, and property crimes went up more than 9%, primarily due to theft and assaults.
2. Mobile:
Mobile crime stats:
Mobile, Alabama, has a crime Index of 7 out of 100, meaning it’s safer than only about 7% of U.S. cities. Although it still has a higher crime rate than most, it is improving compared to places like Birmingham.
The city recorded 1,587 violent crimes (about 9 per 1,000 people), such as assaults, robberies, and homicides, and 4,498 property crimes (about 25 per 1,000 people), including thefts, burglaries, and car break-ins.
Why Mobile, Alabama, stays high on “dangerous city” lists:
Mobile, Alabama, is seeing real progress in public safety this year. Public Safety Director Rob Lasky reports that homicides are down from 17 to 12, robberies dropped 14%, forcible rapes fell 59%, and gun-related assaults declined.
A 42% drop in shooting incidents in the expensive and safest areas of Mobile, such as Country Club, Llanfair, College Park / Spring Hill College, and Parkhill.
Police Chief William Jackson added that, overall, serious crime has decreased by 24% compared to the previous year. Both leaders say the results reflect stronger community partnerships and more focused policing, while emphasizing that continued effort is necessary to maintain the momentum.
3. Montgomery:
Crime stats in Montgomery, Alabama:
| Catégorie | Number of Crimes |
|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 1,113 |
| Crimes contre les biens | 5,102 |
| Total Crimes | 6,215 |
In 2025, both Mobile et Montgomery, Alabama, are seeing fewer violent crimes, but crimes contre les biens is still the biggest problem in both cities. In Montgomery, burglaries and car thefts are the most common, while aggravated assaults and domestic violence remain significant concerns.
Why Montgomery, Alabama, stays high on “dangerous city” lists:
City leaders, including Mayor Steven Reed, report that overall violent crime is down by nearly 30% compared to the same period last year. Robberies, rapes, and shootings have all dropped sharply, and total serious crime is down by 24%. However, numbers remain high compared to the national average.
4. Anniston:
Crime stats in Anniston, Alabama:
Neighborhood Scout shows a violent crime rate of 8.98 per 1,000, which means that roughly 1 in 111 people has a chance of being a victim of violent crime each year.
A property crime rate of 49.89 per 1,000 means about 1 in 20 people could experience theft, burglary, or similar crimes.
Why is crime so high?
High poverty rates and economic instability caused alarming crime statistics. The violent and property crimes labeled Anniston as the most dangerous city, according to such crimes.
In 2025, crime rates have decreased. That being said, the Berman Museum, Calhoun Pickers, and Redbird Willow welcome hundreds of tourists annually.
Safer neighborhoods of Anniston, Alabama:
- Choccolocco / White Plains.
- Burns / Holley Crossroads.
- Bush.
5. Bessemer:
Bessemmer crime stats:
Bessemer, Alabama, stands out in 2025 as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., avec un Crime Index of 0 out of 100, meaning it’s safer than none of America’s cities.
The numbers reveal a stark reality: violent crime occurs at nearly six times the national average, et property crime is so widespread that about 1 in every 13 residents is affected each year.
Why Bessemmer, Alabama, stays high on “dangerous city” lists
Local and state reports highlight aggravated assaults, burglaries, and gun violence as the city’s most pressing issues, primarily driven by economic hardship and limited community resources.
With more than 100 crimes per 1,000 residents, Bessemer’s challenges underscore the urgent need for stronger safety programs, investment in neighborhoods, and long-term solutions to break the cycle of violence and poverty.
6. Selma:
Selma, Alabama crime stats:
Selma has a crime index of 11, meaning it’s safer than only about 11% of U.S. cities. Each year, the city reports around 137 violent crimes et 322 property crimes, totaling about 459 incidents. That’s roughly 28 crimes for every 1,000 residents, showing that while Selma isn’t the most dangerous city in Alabama, crime still affects many people in this small community.
Why Selma, Alabama, stays high on “dangerous city” lists:
Several reports over the years have described Selma, Alabama, as one of the state’s most dangerous cities. More recent updates from Montgomery Advertiser show that while Selma still faces serious crime and economic struggles, it’s no longer at the very top of Alabama’s danger list.
7. Gadsden:
Gadsden, Alabama crime stats:
The numbers are scary. The crime rate in Gadsden is 91.38%, higher than the national average.
D'après area vibes, you can expect 4448 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which means 1 in every 22 could be affected by crime!
That said, people are ready to rock at Downtown Gadsden, Alabama, for the upcoming open mic nights and community events. It’s all about staying safe by staying in groups and not wandering alone.
The safer areas of Gadsden, Alabama:
Southside, Rainsville, and Vestavia Hills are the safest neighborhoods for families and retirees in Gadsden. Not only do these areas have low crime, but they also offer excellent schooling options and thriving businesses.
Why Gadsden, Alabama, stays high on “dangerous city” lists:
Reports from outlets such as World Population Review (2025) et AreaVibes (2025) indicate that Gadsden consistently ranks above state and national averages for both violent and property crimes.
These rankings are based on official crime data on assaults, robberies, and thefts. Analysts point out that Gadsden’s elevated rate of violent offenses, especially assaults, plays a significant role in its position on these lists.
8. Prichard:
Crime statistics of Prichard, Alabama:
Prichard, Alabama, is one of the most crime-ridden communities in the state, with about 50.97 crimes per 1,000 residents annually.
Why is crime so high?
Burglary and theft, accompanied by violent crime. The causes of this problem run much deeper than policing.
More than a 30% poverty rate, constrained job prospects, and decades of economic downturn have created an environment where crime can flourish.
Nonetheless, crime is not dispersed evenly throughout the city.
Safer areas of Prichard, Alabama:
Northeastern neighborhoods are much safer, while the southern sections report much higher rates of incidents. Addressing Prichard’s crime crisis isn’t simply about enforcement; it’s about restoring economic opportunity, building trust in the community, and investing in the neighborhoods that have been left behind.
9. Talladega:
Crime statistics, Talladega, Alabama:
Talladega, Alabama, has a crime rate of approximately 49.4 per 1,000 citizens, a rate that far exceeds the national average.
Why is crime so high?
Poverty and unemployment are the two biggest factors contributing to the high crime rate in Talladega, Alabama. A report by crimegrade shows that violent crimes are high in shopping districts, such as shoplifting and theft.
Safer neighborhoods of Talladega, Alabama:
Most of the crime is concentrated in southern and central Talladega, whereas the residential areas of the north and neighborhoods along the city’s periphery are safer and more stable. Crime must be reduced here not only through policing but also through the adoption of high-tech surveillance.
10. Tarrant:
Crime statistics, Tarrant, Alabama:
According to a report by AreaVibes, the overall crime rate in Tarrant, Alabama, is approximately 7,086 per 100,000 people, which is about 205% higher than the U.S. average.
Why is the crime rate so high?
Tarrant’s high crime rate is driven by widespread poverty, low education levels, and limited job opportunities. Population decline and neighborhood blight exacerbate the situation. These factors, when combined, create an environment where crime can thrive.
Most of the crime is concentrated in southern and central Tarrant, whereas the residential areas of the north and neighborhoods along the city’s periphery are generally safer and more stable.
Crime must be reduced here not only through policing but also through the revitalization of the economy, more robust community initiatives, and enhanced access to education and resources.
How to stay safer in Alabama:
Proactive detection and fast response through live remote video monitoring can make a real difference in keeping businesses in Alabama safe. Security isn’t a one-time effort; it needs to be active 24/7, all year round, whether you’re in the suburbs, downtown, or the northern parts of the city, constant protection matters.
Relying on a trusted third-party monitoring team gives your business, people, and assets the safety they deserve. With AI-powered CCTV, threats such as intrusions, armed suspects, violence, smoke, or fire are detected in real-time. The moment something happens, the system alerts the live monitoring center.
Trained security operators then review the situation through your cameras and respond according to your set procedures. They can intervene directly through on-site speakers or contact law enforcement when needed.
Communities across Atlanta, Washington D.C., Détroit, et Dallas are already using la vidéosurveillance à distance to stay safer. Alabama businesses can do the same.
Bonnes lectures :
- Dallas est-il sûr ? Taux de criminalité et quartiers les plus sûrs.
- Is Washington, DC, safe for tourists and residents? 2024 update.
- Détroit est-il sûr ? Une vue d'ensemble des taux de criminalité en 2024.
- Taux de criminalité et quartiers les plus sûrs d'Atlanta : 2025 insights.
- Les villes les plus sûres de Caroline du Nord : Où vivre en 2024.
Conclusion
Alabama’s most dangerous cities in 2025, including Birmingham, Bessemer, Mobile, and Gadsden, face high violent and property crime rates.
If you’re planning to visit or relocate, knowing which areas to avoid can help protect your safety and property. Stay alert, secure your home or business, and utilize proven security measures, such as remote video monitoring, to minimize risk. Remote Video Monitoring is the most innovative way to keep safe in Alabama. Contactez-nous dès aujourd'hui pour discuter d'une solution de sécurité personnalisée adaptée aux besoins de votre entreprise.
