Is Birmingham or Montgomery Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Montgomery is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,830 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 Montgomery has a 69% lower rate.
Birmingham — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Montgomery — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Montgomery, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Montgomery | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 2,829.7 | +2,449.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 594.7 | +652.9 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 18.1 | +40.8 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 6.2 | +8.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 191.5 | +9.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 378.9 | +592.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 2,235.1 | +1,796.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 527.0 | +202.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,341.1 | +1,152.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 367.0 | +441.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Montgomery safer?
Montgomery is safer with a total crime rate of 2,830 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 Montgomery has 594.7. Montgomery 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 Montgomery, AL
Montgomery, Alabama, the state capital and "First Capital of the Confederacy," sits along the Alabama River. Its population is approximately 200,000, with a significant African American community. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 193,728, Montgomery has a total crime rate of 2,829.7 per 100,000 residents.