Shelby County, Alabama, is a suburban county located in the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area. The region is renowned for its excellent quality of life, low crime rate, and picturesque natural surroundings.
However, it’s essential to note that not all areas within Shelby County offer the same level of safety. Some neighborhoods have higher instances of violent and property crimes, making them potentially hazardous for both residents and visitors.
Here are five of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Shelby County, identified based on the most recent crime data from CrimeGrade.org and InsidePrison.com:
Columbiana:
Columbiana serves as the county seat of Shelby County and holds the distinction of being the oldest city in the county. With a population of around 3,300 people, it boasts a historic downtown area. However, there’s a concerning issue as Columbiana reports the highest rate of violent crime in the county, recording 1,355.9 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2018.
This number is more than six times the county’s average of 20.5 incidents. Additionally, the city also experiences a high rate of property crime, with 2,394.1 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2018, surpassing the county’s average of 34.1 incidents by more than twice. The prevalent types of crimes in Columbiana are assault, burglary, and theft.
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Calera:
Calera, located in Shelby County, Alabama, is renowned for being the fastest-growing city in the county and one of the quickest in the entire state. With a population of approximately 14,300 residents, it is situated along Interstate 65 and boasts several attractions, including the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and the Timberline Golf Course.
However, amidst its growth and appeal, Calera faces significant challenges with crime rates. In 2018, it recorded the second-highest rate of violent crime in the county, with 1,848.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing the county average by more than eight times.
Additionally, Calera holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of property crime in the county, with 2,992.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, exceeding the county average by over seven times. The prevalent types of crimes in Calera consist mainly of robbery, burglary, and theft.
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Montevallo:
Montevallo is a small city with around 6,600 residents and is known as the home of the University of Montevallo. The town takes pride in its rich cultural heritage and organizes various events throughout the year, including the Alabama National Fair and the Festival of Arts. However, it faces a significant challenge in terms of crime rates.
In 2018, Montevallo had the third-highest rate of violent crime in the county, with 1,027.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This number is over four times higher than the county’s average of 20.5.
Additionally, the city also experiences a high rate of property crime, with 2,163 incidents per 100,000 residents in the same year, which is more than four times the county average of 34.1.
The most common types of crimes in Montevallo are assault, burglary, and theft. These crime rates pose concerns and challenges for the local authorities and community members to address and find solutions to ensure safety and security for all residents.
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Alabaster:
Alabaster, located in Shelby County, Alabama, holds the title of being the largest city in the county and one of the biggest in the entire state. With a population of approximately 33,000 residents, it serves as a prominent hub for commerce and industry. The city boasts various amenities, including shopping malls, parks, and schools.
However, one aspect that requires attention is its higher rate of violent crime compared to the county average. In 2018, Alabaster recorded 274.6 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the county’s average of 20.5.
Similarly, the rate of property crime in Alabaster is also significantly higher, with 1,728.3 incidents per 100,000 residents in the same year—over three times the county’s average of 34.1. The most prevalent types of crimes in Alabaster include assault, burglary, and theft.
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Pelham:
Pelham is a suburban city located in Shelby County with a population of approximately 23,400 people. Being one of the oldest cities in the county, Pelham boasts a diverse economy and offers various recreational opportunities, including golf courses, sports complexes, and nature trails.
However, despite these positive aspects, Pelham faces some concerning crime statistics. In 2018, Pelham reported a higher rate of violent crime compared to the county average, with 151.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.
This figure was more than seven times the county’s average rate of 20.5. Additionally, Pelham experienced a higher rate of property crime, with 1,698.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, which was more than double the county average of 34.1.
The most common types of crimes in Pelham are robbery, burglary, and theft, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address and reduce crime in the area.
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Conclusion
These five neighborhoods have been identified as the most dangerous in Shelby County based on available crime data. However, it’s essential to understand that this designation doesn’t imply they are entirely unsafe for everyone or at all times. Crime rates can fluctuate depending on various factors such as the time of day, season, and other variables.
It’s worth noting that proactive crime prevention measures and effective law enforcement efforts can play a crucial role in reducing crime risk and enhancing the overall quality of life in these areas.
Therefore, while it’s important to be aware of the crime situation in any neighborhood, exercising caution and using common sense while visiting or residing in these places can significantly contribute to personal safety.
