Birmingham, AL vs Elgin, IL

Elgin is safer with a higher safety score by 22 points. Birmingham, AL has a safety score of 51/100 while Elgin, IL has 73/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Birmingham, AL has a violent crime rate of 1246.6 per 100,000 residents, while Elgin, IL has 266.7 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Birmingham, AL has a property crime rate of 4031.4 per 100,000, compared to 1102.1 per 100,000 in Elgin, IL. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (65-79), C (50-64), D (40-49), F (below 40).

Based on crime data alone, Elgin is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.