Alabama’s senior Senator recently drew attention to crime rates, contrasting New York City unfavorably with his home state. The data, however, paints a more nuanced picture. According to CDC figures from 2022, Alabama’s homicide rate stands at 13.9 per 100,000 residents, more than double NYC’s rate of 5.2. This statistic challenges common perceptions of urban crime versus rural safety.

While some argue that high homicide rates in certain cities drive up state averages, even rural areas in Alabama report rates twice that of NYC’s urban center. This broader comparison reveals that NYC, with 434 homicides in 2022, experiences higher absolute numbers due to its large population, despite a comparatively lower rate.

Critically, homicide rates do not correlate directly with overall crime levels, such as assault or property crimes. Thus, while NYC faces challenges, its safety metrics differ from those in rural states like Alabama. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for assessing public safety perceptions versus statistical reality.