Alabama has a long and interesting past that you should look into to learn more about how the United States has changed over time.
Alabama is known as the “Heart of Dixie” because of how important Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were to the Civil Rights movement.
It’s also where people like Channing Tatum and Helen Keller were born.
The diversity of the state is also shown by the fact that people there love college sports and that it is the top producer of steel pipes.
If you want to go to Alabama, you need to know where the most dangerous places are.
So read on and find out!
10 Riskiest Cities 2023
| City | Population | Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 | Property Crime Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston | 22,400 | 2,992 | 6,250 |
| Fairfield | 11,000 | 1,500 | 5,000 |
| Bessemer | 26,800 | 721 | 3,371 |
| Birmingham | 212,000 | 1,483 | 6,132 |
| Prichard | 22,300 | 1,193 | 5,650 |
| Lanette | 6,200 | 1,129 | 4,516 |
| Selma | 19,500 | 1,641 | 6,205 |
| Gadsden | 36,300 | 1,000 | 5,234 |
| Tarrant | 6,300 | 511 | 2,674 |
| Troy | 19,000 | 445 | 2,105 |
1. Anniston
- Population: 22,400
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 2,992
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 6,250
Anniston is one of the most dangerous cities in Alabama. It is located in the northeast part of the state. It is home to about 22,400 people. The serious crime rate in Anniston is a whopping 2,992 per 100,000 people. This is 68% higher than the average rate in the U.S. There is a 1 in 10 chance that a local or tourist will become a crime victim. Because of this, it is best to limit daytime and nighttime activities and, if possible, avoid this city altogether.
2. Fairfield
- Population: 11,000
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,500
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 5,000
Even though Fairfield only has about 11,000 people, its crime rate is a shocking 219% higher than Alabama’s average and 308% higher than the U.S. average. It is the 34th most dangerous place to live in the United States because of this. Over the past few years, both violent crime and petty crime have been high in Fairfield. Most daytime activities are safe, but you should be careful at night and try to plan your transportation ahead of time.
3. Bessemer
- Population: 26,800
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 721
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 3,371
With a population of roughly 26,800, it is located in Birmingham’s southern district and is known for its natural resources of limestone, iron ore, and coal. However, despite a 25% decline in recent years, it is the sixth most dangerous city to live in Alabama due to its high crime rate. Bessemer has approximately 4,500 crimes per 100,000 people, with 721 incidences of violent crime and 3,371 cases of property crime.
4. Birmingham
- Population: 212,000
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,483
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 6,132
Birmingham, often known as The Magic City due to its quick growth in the steel and iron sectors, is the most populous city in Alabama, with approximately 212,000 citizens. Birmingham has a higher per capita murder rate (88 murders) than other larger cities. Downtown, Ensley, and Norwood are notorious for gang violence and should be avoided at all costs. The suburbs, on the other hand, are generally safer, with reliable public transportation alternatives.
5. Prichard
- Population: 22,300
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,193
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 5,650
A city of around 22,300 people has a crime rate that is 2.1 times the national average, making it a less desirable place to live. After 2017, the city saw a 32% decrease in crime, with violent crime totalling 1,193. Despite lower crime rates and more police presence, Prichard remains the 12th worst place to live in the United States. Daytime activities are reasonably safe, but evening activities should be avoided, especially for female travellers alone.
6. Lanett
- Population: 6,200
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,129
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 4,516
Lanett, a small town in east-central Alabama, has 6,200 citizens but a crime rate that is three times the national average. Lanett’s city government has worked hard since the early 2010s to reduce gang violence, which was once a major issue. While property crime has been on the down, violent crime has been on the rise in recent years. Daytime activities are normally safe, but residents and visitors should stay indoors at night.
7. Selma
- Population: 19,500
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,641
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 6,205
Selma is in the south-central part of Alabama. Drug-related crimes and gang killings have happened there in the past. Even though there are only 19,500 people living there, the city has a high crime rate for its size. But new numbers show that crime has gone down by 5%, making Selma a little bit safer than other U.S. cities. Even though there aren’t many police patrols in some places of town, day trips are usually safe, but you shouldn’t go out at night.
8. Gadsden
- Population: 36,300
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,000
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 5,234
The Civil War is a big part of the history of this city, which has 36,300 people and is a manufacturing hub. Even though the police work hard, there are 1,000 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Gadsden. This is 179% more than the national rate. There are also a lot of property crimes. Exploring during the day is safe, but women travelling alone at night need to be careful. People think that public transportation is a safe way to get around the city.
9. Tarrant
- Population: 6,300
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 511
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 2,674
Tarrant is a small town with about 6,300 people. It is the ninth most dangerous city to live in. The crime rate in the town is 143% higher than the average for the state and 210% higher than the average for the whole country. Most daytime activities are safe, but there have been 511 serious crimes and 2,674 property crimes per 100,000 people in the town. Even though there are some beggars and pickpockets, public transportation is usually safe.
10. Troy
- Population: 19,000
- Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 445
- Property Crime Rate per 100,000: 2,105
Lastly, Troy, a town with just under 19,000 people, has twice the violent crime rate of the rest of the country. There were 445 violent crimes and 676 property crimes there in 2016. In recent years, violent crimes have gone down, but property crimes have gone up. This makes Troy the tenth place on this list. Daytime activities are safe, but nighttime activities should be done with care. There are places to stay with strong security systems, but you shouldn’t show off your valuables or take a lot of cash.
5 Important Safety Tips for Your Alabama Visit
One: Prepare for Climate Change During the summertime, Alabama’s geographical location in the United States delivers extreme heat and humidity.
Most inside areas have air conditioning, but if you plan on hiking, bring plenty of insect spray, sunscreen, and drink, as well as dress appropriately for the weather.
Winters in the state are generally moderate and enjoyable, but be aware of ice storms that could make driving or walking dangerous.
Two: Avoid displaying costly items. Alabama has a high percentage of poverty, with many residents living below the federal poverty level.
Given the prevalence of crimes such as theft, openly displaying cash, jewelry, or high-end equipment may make you a crime target.
So, either leave valuables at home or keep them safe in the hotel safe throughout your vacation.
Three: Maintain Situational Awareness. Exploring Alabama’s different neighborhoods is part of what makes the state so appealing.
However, you should always be alert of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, follow your instincts and go in the opposite way.
There are countless safe places to visit at any time of day or night, but it’s always a good idea to keep aware and know your fastest departure route from any location.
Four: stay away from protests. Even though protesting is a basic right in the United States and can lead to real change, it can sometimes turn violent.
Regrettably, some protests in the United States begin peacefully but quickly devolve into chaos.
If you see a large throng forming, you should avoid the area.
Remember that the issues at stake are not your battle, and you must avoid getting engaged in any disputes that could result in damage or legal trouble during your visit.
Five: When Camping, Use Caution If you want to explore Alabama’s natural beauty, be in mind that some poisonous and venomous critters may pose a threat.
Make sure to notify the local ranger’s office of your plans, including the length of your visit and your return date, and bring a first-aid kit.
Stick to the established routes and only camp in officially designated areas.
