Is Birmingham or Pell City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pell City is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 28/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 53% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pell City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Birmingham is 13.7x 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
Pell City — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Pell City, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Pell City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 2,498.3 | +2,780.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 294.7 | +952.8 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 0.0 | +58.9 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 28.1 | -13.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 21.1 | +180.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 245.6 | +726.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 2,203.5 | +1,827.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 266.7 | +463.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,810.5 | +683.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 126.3 | +681.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Pell City safer?
Pell City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Pell City has 294.7. Pell City 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 Pell City, AL
Pell City, Alabama, is a lakeside community on Logan Martin Lake, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. It's home to the historic Pell City Downtown Revitalization Board, reflecting local pride. The city has seen a steady increase in population over recent decades. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 14,250, Pell City has a total crime rate of 2,498.3 per 100,000 residents.