Alabama’s small towns bring Southern charm and hospitality—but some also face significant challenges with crime rates. Understanding which places experience higher violence and property crime can help residents, travelers, and policymakers make informed decisions. Here are the 10 most dangerous small towns in Alabama based on 2025 data, highlighting crime statistics and community context.
1. Anniston
Anniston tops the list with a violent crime rate (VCR) of 8.7 per 1,000 residents and property crime rate (PCR) of 38.4. Drug trafficking along Interstate 20 contributes heavily to criminal activity. Community policing initiatives in recent years have helped reduce violent crimes by 15%, but challenges persist.
2. Bessemer
Known for high violent crime rates (12.8 VCR) and property crimes (48.9 PCR), Bessemer struggles with gang violence and poverty pockets. Police task forces have targeted illegal firearms, recovering 140 weapons in the last year alone.
3. Prichard
Prichard has Alabama’s highest robbery rate at 5.2 per 1,000 and overall violent crimes at 8.1 VCR. Economic stagnation and urban decay complicate safety efforts, though youth outreach programs have reduced juvenile arrests by over a quarter.
4. Birmingham
Birmingham, a major metro area, still influences crime rates in its smaller neighborhoods. The city reports 14.2 violent crimes and 52.6 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Efforts like drone surveillance and neighborhood programs have helped cut shootings in some districts.
5. Selma
Selma experiences 9.8 violent crimes and 40.1 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Burglaries are especially prominent in low-income areas, though blight removal initiatives have helped reduce crime by 12% in key zones.
6. Mobile
Mobile’s crime hotspots mainly center on entertainment districts, with an 11.5 VCR and 45.2 PCR. Efforts like improved street lighting and security cameras at docks have proven effective in cutting nighttime robbery rates.
7. Gadsden
Gadsden faces seasonal theft spikes attributed to summer tourism, reflected in its 7.6 VCR and 35.2 PCR numbers. River patrols combat drug trafficking, and neighborhood surveillance has reduced home break-ins significantly.
8. Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa’s crime rates increase notably around the University of Alabama during game days, with a VCR of 7.0 and PCR of 33.8. Initiatives such as “Safe Strip” focus on reducing bar-related incidents.
9. Dothan
Dothan’s 6.5 VCR and 32.1 PCR are slightly lower but still concerning. Programs like bait bikes have cut bicycle thefts, and coordinated camera networks aid police efforts.
10. Opelika
Opelika rounds out the list with a high murder rate per capita and ranked in the top ten for violent and property crimes. Residents face a 1 in 14 chance of experiencing a crime annually.
While Alabama offers many safe and inviting communities, these small towns currently navigate elevated crime rates requiring ongoing attention and resources. Understanding these realities can help deepen the discussion around safety, prevention, and community support in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
(https://reolink.com/blog/most-dangerous-cities-in-alabama/)
(https://www.movoto.com/guide/al/most-dangerous-places-in-alabama/)
(https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/most-dangerous-places)
(https://www.homestratosphere.com/worst-towns-for-families-in-alabama-april-2025/)
(https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/al/)
