Is Birmingham or Fairhope Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairhope is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 64/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,261 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 76% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairhope has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Birmingham is 7.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Birmingham — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairhope — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Fairhope, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Fairhope | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 1,260.6 | +4,018.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 108.6 | +1,139.0 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 0.0 | +58.9 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 23.3 | -8.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 15.5 | +185.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 69.8 | +901.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 1,152.0 | +2,879.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 81.5 | +648.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,035.6 | +1,458.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 34.9 | +773.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Fairhope safer?
Fairhope is safer with a total crime rate of 1,261 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Fairhope has 108.6. Fairhope has lower violent crime.
About Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, Alabama, a city forged in the steel industry, sits at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. It's the most populous city in Alabama's Jefferson County. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 195,418, Birmingham has a total crime rate of 5,278.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Fairhope, AL
Fairhope, Alabama, a town on Mobile Bay, was founded in 1894 as a "single tax" colony. This coastal community, known for its scenic bluff, has a population of over 23,000. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 25,782, Fairhope has a total crime rate of 1,260.6 per 100,000 residents.