Tuscaloosa, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Tuscaloosa, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Tuscaloosa is 51.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Tuscaloosa, there were 646 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 638 per 100,000 individuals, 72.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2919 property crimes, amounting to 2882 per 100,000 residents, 47.5% higher than the U.S. average.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Tuscaloosa is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 12 murders in Tuscaloosa, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Tuscaloosa being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Tuscaloosa?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Tuscaloosa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 61 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 25% of Tuscaloosa 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, 75% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Tuscaloosa a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Tuscaloosa, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Tuscaloosa presents a total crime rate that is 51% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Tuscaloosa experiences an average of 9.77 daily crimes, comprising 1.77 violent incidents and 8 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa has decreased by 27.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 25.7% and property crime has decreased by 33.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Tuscaloosa

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Tuscaloosa crime rate. The poverty level in Tuscaloosa is 23.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In Tuscaloosa, 85.2% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In Tuscaloosa, the cost of living is 5.47% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Tuscaloosa crime map