Is Birmingham or Tuscaloosa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tuscaloosa is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 15/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,285 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 38% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Tuscaloosa has a 73% lower rate.
Birmingham — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tuscaloosa — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Tuscaloosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 3,284.6 | +1,994.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 553.4 | +694.1 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 15.8 | +43.0 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 17.6 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 59.7 | +141.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 460.3 | +511.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 2,731.2 | +1,300.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 318.9 | +410.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 2,159.3 | +334.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 253.0 | +555.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Tuscaloosa safer?
Tuscaloosa is safer with a total crime rate of 3,285 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Tuscaloosa has 553.4. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa, home to the University of Alabama, sits on the Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama. Its population is approximately 100,000, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 113,834, Tuscaloosa has a total crime rate of 3,284.6 per 100,000 residents.