Alabama is best known for its love of college football, Southern literature, and its part in the Civil Rights Movement. This state is notorious for its rich history, diverse culture, and warm Southern hospitality. As a result, the Heart of Dixie is a great place to live and visit. However, some cities in Alabama have high crime rates, so if you visit any of these places, always be cautious. But what is the most dangerous city in Alabama? Continue reading to find out!
The Most Dangerous City in Alabama
Anniston has a rich history. For example, it was the first city in the state to have electricity in 1882. Furthermore, by 1884, residents in Anniston were enjoying the convenience of telephones. As the city grew, a list of businesses, industries, churches, and schools popped up as people flocked to Anniston. However, today, it is the most dangerous city in Alabama, with a violent crime rate of 2,992 per 100,000.
The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alabama
| City | Population | Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 | Property Crime Rate per 100,000 | Poverty Rate Percentage | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston | 22,400 | 2,992 | 6,250 | 22.8% | $39,928 |
| Fairfield | 11,000 | 1,500 | 5,000 | 19.6% | $43,914 |
| Bessemer | 26,800 | 721 | 3,371 | 28.8% | $32,416 |
| Birmingham | 212,000 | 1,483 | 6,132 | 25.5% | $39,403 |
| Prichard | 22,300 | 1,193 | 5,650 | 30.1% | $32,900 |
| Lanette | 6,200 | 1,129 | 4,516 | 18.1% | $46,404 |
| Selma | 19,500 | 1,641 | 6,205 | 39.4% | $29,656 |
| Gadsden | 36,300 | 1,000 | 5,234 | 27.2% | $35,776 |
| Tarrant | 6,300 | 511 | 2,674 | 24.4% | $36,927 |
| Troy | 19,000 | 445 | 2,105 | 27.3% | $36,409 |
1. Anniston
Anniston residents or visitors have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming victims of a crime. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in this city, be sure to restrict your activities, especially at night.
©JMcQ/Shutterstock.com
Anniston is located in the northeast region of the state. It has a population of around 22,400 people. Unfortunately, this city has a crime rate of 2,992 per 100,000, which is 68% higher than the national average. Additionally, residents or visitors have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming victims of a crime. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in this city, be sure to restrict your activities, especially at night.
2. Fairfield
Fairfield has a shocking crime rate. It is 309% higher than the national average and 219% higher than Alabama’s average, with a violent crime rate of 1,500 per 100,000, despite its small population of 11,000 residents.
Fairfield has a shocking crime rate. It is 309% higher than the national average and 219% higher than Alabama’s average, with a violent crime rate of 1,500 per 100,000, despite its small population of 11,000 residents. As a result, Fairfield is the 34th most dangerous city in the United States. This city’s property and violent crime have been high for many years. However, Fairfield is safer during the day, but be cautious at night.
3. Bessemer
Bessemer is situated in the southwestern region of Birmingham. Its population is approximately 26,800, and it is famous for its natural resources, like iron ore, limestone, and coal.
Bessemer is situated in the southwestern region of Birmingham. Its population is approximately 26,800, and it is famous for its natural resources, like iron ore, limestone, and coal. However, it is one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama, with a violent crime rate of 721 per 100,000 people. While its crime rate has decreased by 25% in recent years, it is still one of the most dangerous places in the state.
4. Birmingham
Due to Birmingham’s rapid expansion in the iron and steel sectors, it is often referred to as The Magic City. Furthermore, it is the most populated city in the state, with around 212,000 residents.
©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Due to Birmingham’s rapid expansion in the iron and steel sectors, it is often referred to as The Magic City. Furthermore, it is the most populated city in the state, with around 212,000 residents. Unfortunately, this city has a high crime rate of 1,483 violent crimes per 100,000 people, of which 88 were murders. Areas to avoid when visiting Birmingham are Ensley, Norwood, and downtown Birmingham because of gang violence. Therefore, these places should be avoided at all costs. However, the suburbs are safer and have reliable public transport options.
5. Prichard
Prichard is one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama due to its high violent crime rate of 1,193 per 100,000 people, which is 2.1 times higher than the national average.
This city is one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama due to its high violent crime rate of 1,193 per 100,000 people, which is 2.1 times higher than the national average. As a result, it is one of the least desirable places to live in Alabama. While the city experienced a 32% drop in crime after 2017, it is still ranked as one of the worst places to live in the United States. However, it is still relatively safe to venture out during the day, but nights are a different story, especially for females traveling alone.
6. Lanette
While Lanette was once notorious for its gang violence, the local government has tried to alleviate it since 2010. Lanette’s property crime has decreased over the years, but the violent crime has increased to 1,129 per 100,000 people.
Lanett is a small town situated in Alabama’s east-central region. It has a population of approximately 6,200 people. Unfortunately, this city has a high crime rate, three times the national average. While Lanette was once notorious for its gang violence, the local government has tried to alleviate it since 2010. Lanette’s property crime has decreased over the years, but the violent crime has increased to 1,129 per 100,000 people.
7. Selma
Selma lies in Alabama’s south-central region and has a history of gang violence and drug-related crime.
Selma lies in Alabama’s south-central region and has a history of gang violence and drug-related crime. While this city has a small population of 19,500, it still experiences a high rate of 1,641 per 100,000 people. However, Selma’s crime rate has decreased by 5% recently, making it a little safer than the national average.
8. Gadsden
Gadsden is one of Alabama’s industrial hubs, with a rich history of the Civil War. This city has a population of around 36,300 people.
©Spyder Monkey / Public Domain – Original
Gadsden is one of Alabama’s industrial hubs, with a rich history of the Civil War. This city has a population of around 36,300 people. While the police are working hard, Gadsden still experiences a high crime rate, with 1,000 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 179% higher than the national average. Furthermore, Gadsden also has high property crime rates, so rather stay indoors at night.
9. Tarrant
Tarrant has a population of approximately 6,300 residents. Unfortunately, this city is one of the most dangerous in the state.
Tarrant has a population of approximately 6,300 residents. Unfortunately, this city is one of the most dangerous in the state. It has a violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 people, which is 210% higher than the national average and 143% higher than the state average. However, despite a few pickpockets and panhandlers, public transport in Tarrant is typically considered safe.
10. Troy
Troy has a population of around 19,000 people, but it suffers from a very high crime rate, two times the national average.
Troy has a population of around 19,000 people, but it suffers from a very high crime rate, two times the national average. For example, there are 445 violent crimes and 676 property crimes per 100,000 residents. However, the city’s violent crimes have decreased, but property crimes in Troy have increased in recent years.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © JMcQ/Shutterstock.com
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