Is Birmingham or Huntsville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntsville is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,872 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 46% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Huntsville has a 86% lower rate.
Birmingham — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Huntsville — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Huntsville, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Huntsville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 2,871.9 | +2,407.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 483.6 | +764.0 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 8.3 | +50.5 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 48.5 | -33.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 53.8 | +147.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 372.6 | +599.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 2,388.3 | +1,643.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 321.4 | +408.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,808.9 | +684.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 258.0 | +550.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Huntsville safer?
Huntsville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,872 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Huntsville has 483.6. Huntsville 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 Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, Alabama, a city rooted in aerospace since the Space Race, sits in the Appalachian foothills. It's a growing tech hub with a significant population of highly educated professionals. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 228,697, Huntsville has a total crime rate of 2,871.9 per 100,000 residents.