Safest Cities in Alabama

2. Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia is one of the safest cities in Alabama, and it comes with a rich history. Founded in 1820, it’s best known as the birthplace of Helen Keller and home of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame—two points of pride that locals love to share.

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It’s also part of the Shoals area, a lively corner of the Tennessee River Valley that’s become a go-to spot for entertainment and outdoor fun. Thanks to the active local scene, job opportunities—especially in retail and service—are easy to come by. And with a regional airport nearby in Muscle Shoals, there are even more opportunities in the transportation and aerospace sectors.

	Tuscumbia	Alabama	U.S.
Population	9,143	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	7.55	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	9.84	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	17.39	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	1.52	2.39	2.322

 

3. Huntsville

Huntsville, in northern Alabama, earns regular spots on the state’s “best cities” lists. Known for its strong aerospace and tech industries, the city draws engineers, scientists and defense professionals from all over. A big part of this influx is thanks to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center—home to the Saturn V rocket that helped launch astronauts to the moon.

But Huntsville isn’t all work and no play. The nearby Tennessee River is perfect for boating and water sports, and the local arts scene shines at Lowe Mill, a massive arts center housed in a former textile mill.

	Huntsville	Alabama	U.S.
Population	224,777	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	6.58	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	11.64	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	18.22	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	1.91	2.39	2.323

 

4. Vestavia Hills

If you want all the perks and excitement of living in a big city but you’re looking for a safer alternative, Vestavia Hills may be for you. It’s just over 7 miles from Birmingham, but it’s significantly safer. That means you can still watch plenty of Birmingham Barons baseball games, visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and catch some shows at the Red Mountain Theatre. It’s the best of both worlds.

Keep in mind, the upscale lifestyle in Vestavia Hills comes with a higher price tag. But many residents feel it’s worth it thanks to the city’s excellent school system and access to solid job opportunities—especially for professionals working in Birmingham’s business, health care and tech sectors.

	Vestavia Hills	Alabama	U.S.
Population	37,889	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	2.90	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	16.44	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	19.35	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	2.84	2.39	2.324

 

5. Helena

Coming in at number five is Helena, located about 20 miles south of Birmingham. If you have a family, good news—this city is known for its excellent public schools and affordable housing. And since it’s close to bigger cities, you still get access to all the job opportunities and amenities you’d find in a larger metro area.

While Helena itself is on the quieter side, you’re only about 20 minutes away from Hoover—home of the Hoover Met Stadium, which hosts major sporting events like the SEC Baseball Tournament. In Hoover, you can also shop till you drop at the Riverchase Galleria, a gigantic shopping mall with over 150 stores and restaurants.

	Helena	Alabama	U.S.
Population	22,283	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	8.21	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	11.22	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	19.43	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	1.34	2.39	2.325

 

6. Daphne

Just 15 minutes east of Mobile, Daphne offers breathtaking beach views along Mobile Bay. Locals are pretty relaxed here—popular pastimes include sailing on the inlet or exploring the boardwalks and nature trails of Bayfront Park.

Daphne earns its nickname “The Jubilee City” thanks to a rare natural event: the Mobile Bay jubilee. Each year, sea life like shrimp, crabs and flounder swarm the shallow shoreline—an underwater phenomenon scientists are still trying to explain. Mobile Bay is one of only two places in the world where this occurs. (The other? Tokyo.) So, if you like seafood (and staying safe), Daphne may be the perfect destination for you and your family!

	Daphne	Alabama	U.S.
Population	30,718	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	6.97	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	14.10	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	21.06	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	1.95	2.39	2.326

 

7. Madison

Madison sits right next to Huntsville and feels like part of the same thriving scene—but a little quieter. As Huntsville’s popularity has taken off, Madison’s grown right along with it. It’s especially appealing for young professionals looking for a strong tech presence, and families love the excellent schools and community-focused feel.

Tucked into the Tennessee River Valley, this hidden gem is surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. And if you’re into history, take a stroll through Madison’s historic district—you’ll find charming, well-preserved homes that date back to the 1800s.

	Madison	Alabama	U.S.
Population	61,071	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	7.84	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	15.60	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	23.45	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	1.37	2.39	2.327

 

8. Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook sits just outside Birmingham and brings all the charm of a small town with some big-time perks. With top-rated schools and a strong job market, it’s a great pick for young professionals and families alike. You’ve got great shopping, cozy restaurants, pretty parks and golf courses locals love. Plus, the nearby Cahaba River is perfect for kayaking, fishing or just enjoying the view.

And here’s a fun perk: the Birmingham Zoo? It’s actually right next to Mountain Brook. So if you’re an animal lover—or just looking for a beautiful, safe place to settle down—Mountain Brook might be just the spot for you.

	Mountain Brook	Alabama	U.S.
Population	21,685	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	2.77	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	20.89	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	23.66	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	2.98	2.39	2.328

 

9. Montevallo

If you want to live in a small town—but still near a large metro—check out Montevallo, about 30 miles south of Birmingham. It’s home to the state’s only public liberal arts university, the University of Montevallo, which fuels plenty of concerts, plays, art exhibits and other events throughout the week.

Montevallo has a quaint downtown area, with buildings dating back to the late 1800s. (Fun fact: 73 of the city’s homes and buildings are on the National Historic Register.) Even though it’s a college town, the peaceful community makes this area an ideal place to raise a family or retire. And with a solid job market—especially in manufacturing and government—it’s not just pretty, it’s practical too.

	Montevallo	Alabama	U.S.
Population	7,851	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	7.64	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	18.34	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	25.98	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	2.16	2.39	2.329

 

10. Moody

Just 20 miles outside of Birmingham, Moody offers a quainter and quieter lifestyle than the big city. It’s the kind of place where young professionals can enjoy suburban life while still being close enough to commute to Birmingham. And with excellent school systems and a friendly atmosphere, it’s also a solid pick for families.

Now, while there’s not a ton of entertainment right in Moody, you’re just a short drive from Leeds—a nearby city with plenty to do. Love motorcycles? The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a must-see—whether you ride or just admire. And if shopping’s more your thing, you’ll also find a lovely outlet mall, the Shops of Grand River, in Leeds.

	Moody	Alabama	U.S.
Population	13,770	4.7 million	278.4 million
Violent Crime Rate	12.13	16.72	14.12
Property Crime Rate	14.60	27.85	30.77
Total Crime Rate	26.72	44.57	44.89
Law Enforcement Rate	1.90	2.39	2.3210

 

Where Is the Safest Place to Live in Alabama?

Based on the data, Southside is technically the safest place to live in Alabama. But honestly, any of the cities on this list would be a great option. All of them have crime rates well below the state and national averages.

The best place in Alabama for you and your family to live will depend on your individual situation. You’ll want to consider these crime rate statistics, the cost of living and your personal preferences for culture and atmosphere.

Once you’ve chosen the city that feels like the right fit, a RamseyTrusted real estate agent can help you taken the next step and find your new home.

Methodology Breakdown: How’d We Get Our Data?

Methodology, which is a term used by people who study data, just means the method we used to find and rank the safest cities in Alabama.

Here’s what we did: We took official crime statistics reported by the FBI for cities in Alabama with at least 7,000 residents (excluding any cities with incomplete data). The FBI splits crimes into two categories: 

• Violent crimes: These are defined as murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

• Property crimes: These include burglary, larceny (theft of personal property), motor vehicle theft and arson (setting fire to property).

After that, we did some math to see how many of these crimes happened in each city per 1,000 residents. Then, we calculated how many full-time law enforcement officers work in each city per 1,000 residents. The safest cities had the lowest scores, and the cities with the 10 lowest scores made up our list. Voila!