Anniston, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Anniston, AL

The Anniston crime rates are 172.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 177 violent crimes in Anniston (843 per 100,000 people), which is 127.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1152 property crimes (5484 per 100,000 residents) which is 180.6% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 6326 per 100,000 residents, Anniston experiences a crime rate that is 172.2% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Anniston contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Anniston has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 843 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Anniston falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 119 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Anniston is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 4 murders in Anniston, which equates to 19 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Anniston being a very dangerous place to live.

Anniston has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5484 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Anniston is 1 in 19, which is far higher than the national average.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Anniston ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 140 vehicle thefts, amounting to 666 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Anniston within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 151.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Anniston?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Anniston residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 105 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 16% of Anniston residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 84% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Anniston a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Anniston is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Anniston has a total crime rate that is 172% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.64 daily crimes (0.48 violent daily crimes and 3.16 daily property crimes) in Anniston.

Has Crime in Anniston Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Anniston crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Anniston has increased by 5.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 9.3% and property crime has increased by 5.3%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Anniston

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Anniston crime rates. Anniston registers a population density of 469.6 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Anniston, the cost of living is 17.96% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Anniston, the average monthly rent stands at $734, while the national average is $949 per month.

Anniston crime map