Is Birmingham or Florence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Florence is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 25/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,646 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 50% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Florence has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Birmingham is 4.5x 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
Florence — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Florence, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Florence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 2,646.5 | +2,632.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 629.1 | +618.5 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 0.0 | +58.9 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 37.1 | -22.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 20.9 | +180.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 571.1 | +400.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 2,017.4 | +2,014.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 232.2 | +497.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,620.4 | +873.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 164.8 | +643.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Florence safer?
Florence is safer with a total crime rate of 2,646 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Florence has 629.1. Florence 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 Florence, AL
Florence, Alabama, a Shoals city on the Tennessee River, boasts a rich musical heritage as the birthplace of W.C. Handy. This Lauderdale County seat is home to the University of North Alabama. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 43,076, Florence has a total crime rate of 2,646.5 per 100,000 residents.