Is Birmingham or Selma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Selma is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 18/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,092 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 41% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Selma has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Birmingham is 12.0x 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
Selma — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Selma, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Selma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 3,092.2 | +2,186.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 619.7 | +627.9 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 12.3 | +46.6 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 18.4 | -3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 30.7 | +170.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 558.3 | +413.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 2,472.5 | +1,558.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 552.2 | +177.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,754.7 | +738.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 165.7 | +642.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Selma safer?
Selma is safer with a total crime rate of 3,092 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Selma has 619.7. Selma 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 Selma, AL
Selma, Alabama, a city on the Alabama River, is famous for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. This historic city in Dallas County has a predominantly African American population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 16,299, Selma has a total crime rate of 3,092.2 per 100,000 residents.