Alabama is a great place to call home, but crime does occur within the state’s boundaries. Using FBI statistics to analyze Alabama cities with 5,000 or more residents, the RoadSnacks website has compiled a list of the most dangerous cities in Alabama has concluded that these 10 are some of the most dangerous towns in Alabama to live in and reside. Let’s check them out. Please note: these towns are listed in no particular order, and the towns are not inherently “bad” places in Alabama!
- Bessemer (Population: Approx. 27,000)
wikimedia commons Bessemer, known as “The Marvel City,” is located in Jefferson County and is situated in the midst of the iron ore and limestone district of Alabama. Bessemer might be considered the most dangerous city in Alabama, but it’s also home to Alabama Splash Adventure - one of the best water parks in the state. Bessemer, AL, USA
- Fairfield (Population: Approx. 11,000)
wikipedia Founded in 1910, Fairfield is located in western Jefferson County, near Birmingham. This Alabama city was planned as a model city by the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company to house workers in their new Fairfield Works plant, which is now owned by U.S. Steel. Because of Fairfield’s location, residents have the opportunity to vacation close to home by visiting Alabama’s 23 state resort parks. Fairfield, AL, USA
- Anniston (Population: Approx. 23,000)
wikipedia Anniston is the county seat of Calhoun County. In recent years, Anniston has put a plan into motion and is updating the city to attract tourists, businesses, retirees and young professionals. Anniston, AL, USA
- Lanett (Population: Approx. 6,000)
wikimedia commons Lanett, which was first settled during the 1840s, is located in Chambers County and sits on the Chattahoochee River. A portion of Fort Tyler, the last Confederate fort to fall during the Civil War, is located in Lanett. Lanett, AL 36863, USA
- Selma (Population: Approx. 20,000)
wikipedia Selma was incorporated in 1820 and is the county seat of Dallas County. Selma sits on the banks of the Alabama River and is best known for the 1960s Selma Voting Rights Movement. Selma might be considered a dangerous area to live in, but there’s no doubt it’s full of great history. Selma, AL, USA
- Guntersville (Population: Approx. 8,000)
wikimedia commons Guntersville, located in Marshall County, is home to Lake Guntersville - Alabama’s largest lake (69,000 acres). Lake Guntersville attracts fishermen from all over the world. Guntersville, AL, USA
- Gadsden (Population: Approx. 36,000)
wikimedia commons Founded in 1825, Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County and is located on the Coosa River. Gadsden is home to the gorgeous 90-foot Noccalula Falls. Gadsden, AL, USA
- Arab (Population: Approx. 8,000)
wikimedia commons Arab, which was incorporated in 1892, is located on top of Brindlee Mountain in Marshall and Cullman Counties. Despite being a dangerous city to live in, Arab has a quality learning environment for all ages and many opportunities are provided to its citizens such as employment, recreation and cultural experiences. Arab, AL 35016, USA
- Talladega (Population: Approx. 15,000)
wikipedia Located in Talladega County, Talladega is approximately 50 miles outside of Birmingham. For NASCAR fans, Talladega Superspeedway is located in Lincoln, which is only a short drive away.
But don’t let these statistics deter you from visiting. Talladega is also home to one of the best BBQ restaurants in America. Talladega, AL 35160, USA
- Jasper (Population: Approx. 14,000)
wikipedia Incorporated in 1887, Jasper is the county seat of Walker County and was once ranked among the world’s leading producers of coal. Jasper might be considered a dangerous city to live in, but it has one of the top-ranked school systems in the state. Despite its ranking, Jasper is definitely worth visiting. Stop in at this old-school drive-in restaurant next time you’re in town! Jasper, AL, USA
Even though these Alabama towns have a higher crime rate than other areas of the state, they’re still much safer than many of the larger cities in other states. Alabama, overall, is a safe place to live. What do you think of this list? Did any of the most dangerous towns in Alabama surprise you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
wikimedia commons
Bessemer, known as “The Marvel City,” is located in Jefferson County and is situated in the midst of the iron ore and limestone district of Alabama. Bessemer might be considered the most dangerous city in Alabama, but it’s also home to Alabama Splash Adventure - one of the best water parks in the state.
Bessemer, AL, USA
wikipedia
Founded in 1910, Fairfield is located in western Jefferson County, near Birmingham. This Alabama city was planned as a model city by the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company to house workers in their new Fairfield Works plant, which is now owned by U.S. Steel. Because of Fairfield’s location, residents have the opportunity to vacation close to home by visiting Alabama’s 23 state resort parks.
Fairfield, AL, USA
Anniston is the county seat of Calhoun County. In recent years, Anniston has put a plan into motion and is updating the city to attract tourists, businesses, retirees and young professionals.
Anniston, AL, USA
Lanett, which was first settled during the 1840s, is located in Chambers County and sits on the Chattahoochee River. A portion of Fort Tyler, the last Confederate fort to fall during the Civil War, is located in Lanett.
Lanett, AL 36863, USA
Selma was incorporated in 1820 and is the county seat of Dallas County. Selma sits on the banks of the Alabama River and is best known for the 1960s Selma Voting Rights Movement. Selma might be considered a dangerous area to live in, but there’s no doubt it’s full of great history.
Selma, AL, USA
Guntersville, located in Marshall County, is home to Lake Guntersville - Alabama’s largest lake (69,000 acres). Lake Guntersville attracts fishermen from all over the world.
Guntersville, AL, USA
Founded in 1825, Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County and is located on the Coosa River. Gadsden is home to the gorgeous 90-foot Noccalula Falls.
Gadsden, AL, USA
Arab, which was incorporated in 1892, is located on top of Brindlee Mountain in Marshall and Cullman Counties. Despite being a dangerous city to live in, Arab has a quality learning environment for all ages and many opportunities are provided to its citizens such as employment, recreation and cultural experiences.
Arab, AL 35016, USA
Located in Talladega County, Talladega is approximately 50 miles outside of Birmingham. For NASCAR fans, Talladega Superspeedway is located in Lincoln, which is only a short drive away.
But don’t let these statistics deter you from visiting. Talladega is also home to one of the best BBQ restaurants in America.
Talladega, AL 35160, USA
Incorporated in 1887, Jasper is the county seat of Walker County and was once ranked among the world’s leading producers of coal. Jasper might be considered a dangerous city to live in, but it has one of the top-ranked school systems in the state. Despite its ranking, Jasper is definitely worth visiting. Stop in at this old-school drive-in restaurant next time you’re in town!
Jasper, AL, USA
And if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, check out these nine peaceful places in Alabama.
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most dangerous towns in alabama December 28, 2021 Elisa Regulski What are the most haunted places in Alabama? Contrary to popular belief, Alabama is full of eerie places. Whether you want to spend a night in a haunted hotel or drive along the spookiest highway, there are plenty of opportunities for ghost hunting. If you’re a paranormal enthusiast, why not embark on our haunted Alabama road trip? This adventure will lead you to some thrilling places. But be warned! Some people think these are the most dangerous places to avoid in Alabama. Is Alabama a great place to live? Absolutely! Even the most dangerous places in Alabama pale in comparison to other states. Our crime rates are low, and our lifestyle is affordable. Alabama is not only gorgeous, it’s full of friendly people! If you’re looking for a lovely place to live that’s full of southern charm, this could be the state for you. Do Alabamians have any strange habits? Like any place, Alabama has a few quirks. It should come as no surprise, then, that its residents pick up some silly habits. Yes, Alabamians love deep frying food and drinking sweet tea, but that’s just the beginning. One of the most lovable habits is definitely the overflowing kindness towards neighbors. Want to learn more? Read our full article about the 10 undying habits every Alabama resident has.
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous towns in alabama
December 28, 2021
Elisa Regulski
What are the most haunted places in Alabama? Contrary to popular belief, Alabama is full of eerie places. Whether you want to spend a night in a haunted hotel or drive along the spookiest highway, there are plenty of opportunities for ghost hunting. If you’re a paranormal enthusiast, why not embark on our haunted Alabama road trip? This adventure will lead you to some thrilling places. But be warned! Some people think these are the most dangerous places to avoid in Alabama. Is Alabama a great place to live? Absolutely! Even the most dangerous places in Alabama pale in comparison to other states. Our crime rates are low, and our lifestyle is affordable. Alabama is not only gorgeous, it’s full of friendly people! If you’re looking for a lovely place to live that’s full of southern charm, this could be the state for you. Do Alabamians have any strange habits? Like any place, Alabama has a few quirks. It should come as no surprise, then, that its residents pick up some silly habits. Yes, Alabamians love deep frying food and drinking sweet tea, but that’s just the beginning. One of the most lovable habits is definitely the overflowing kindness towards neighbors. Want to learn more? Read our full article about the 10 undying habits every Alabama resident has.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Contrary to popular belief, Alabama is full of eerie places. Whether you want to spend a night in a haunted hotel or drive along the spookiest highway, there are plenty of opportunities for ghost hunting. If you’re a paranormal enthusiast, why not embark on our haunted Alabama road trip? This adventure will lead you to some thrilling places. But be warned! Some people think these are the most dangerous places to avoid in Alabama.
Is Alabama a great place to live?
Absolutely! Even the most dangerous places in Alabama pale in comparison to other states. Our crime rates are low, and our lifestyle is affordable. Alabama is not only gorgeous, it’s full of friendly people! If you’re looking for a lovely place to live that’s full of southern charm, this could be the state for you.
Do Alabamians have any strange habits?
Like any place, Alabama has a few quirks. It should come as no surprise, then, that its residents pick up some silly habits. Yes, Alabamians love deep frying food and drinking sweet tea, but that’s just the beginning. One of the most lovable habits is definitely the overflowing kindness towards neighbors. Want to learn more? Read our full article about the 10 undying habits every Alabama resident has.