Logo

Alabama Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 123 people in Alabama.

  • Alabama's violent crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It stands at 8.15 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Alabama's property crime rate is higher than the national average. It is recorded at 29.26 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 08:58 pm

    by | Sep 23, 2023

    Within the diverse landscape of Alabama, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Alabama. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Alabama Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number30,438109,26529,776
    Rate per 10008.1529.267.97

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 47 different types of crimes recorded in Alabama. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Alabama’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Alabama has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Alabama, the rate of violent crimes is 8.15 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Alabama vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Alabama compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Alabama in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Alabama’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number6372,46324,3921,481388
    Rate per 10000.170.666.530.690.1
    Population3,734,077

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Alabama

    • Alabama’s murder crime rate is 0.17, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.07 by 143%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.66, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 50%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 6.53, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 131%.
    • Robbery is a concern in Alabama, with a crime rate of 0.69, which is higher than the national average of 0.63 by 10%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.1, which is lower than the national average of 0.11 by 9%.

    Alabama’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Alabama has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Alabama, the rate of property crimes is 29.26 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Alabama vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Alabama compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Alabama’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number12,49145627,11212255,8049,9023,378
    Rate per 10003.350.127.260.0314.942.650.9
    Population3,734,077

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Alabama

    • Alabama experiences a burglary crime rate of 3.35, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 23%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.12, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 50%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Alabama, with a crime rate of 7.26, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 84%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.03, which is lower than the national average of 0.04 by 25%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 14.94 in Alabama, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 7%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 2.65, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 1%.
    • Alabama faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.9, which is 3% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Alabama’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number25,6873,69939351
    Rate per 10006.880.990.010.09
    Population3,734,077

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    Alabama’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a concern in Alabama, with a rate of 6.88, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 77%.
    • Weapon law violations are an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 0.99, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 22%.

     

    Conclusion

    In Alabama, the murder and assault rates are higher than the national average, indicating potential safety concerns. On the positive side, robbery and kidnapping incidents are relatively low, which may contribute to a sense of security. Property crimes, including burglary and vandalism, are areas of concern that require attention. However, it’s worth noting that drug offenses show a relatively higher rate, suggesting potential law enforcement focus. Conversely, weapon law violations are relatively low, indicating effective enforcement. These insights provide valuable information about the state’s crime landscape for residents and policymakers to consider.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.