Madison County, Alabama, stands as a rapidly expanding area, boasting a population of approximately 403,565 residents. Nestled within this county is Huntsville, the primary metropolis of northern Alabama, renowned for its aerospace, defense, and scientific industries. Serving as a thriving commercial hub, Madison County offers a plethora of attractions, including the renowned U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the picturesque Huntsville Botanical Garden, and the serene expanse of Monte Sano State Park.
While Madison County brims with vibrant elements, certain communities grapple with safety and socioeconomic challenges. These areas witness elevated rates of crime, poverty, and societal issues compared to others within the county. According to CrimeGrade.org, an online platform providing crime data and mapping across all 50 states, Madison County harbors five neighborhoods identified as its most hazardous regions.
Terry Heights:
Positioned at the intersection of Holmes Avenue and Jordan Lane in central Huntsville, Terry Heights bears a crime grade of F, indicating it’s only 4% safer than comparable regions nationwide. With a rate of 80.87 crimes per 1,000 people, surpassing the national average fourfold, prevalent offenses here include theft, break-ins, and assault.
Normal:
Nestled in the heart of Huntsville, adjacent to Alabama A&M University, Normal earns an F rating for crime, indicating a safety level just 3% higher than the typical American neighborhood. With 84.77 crimes per 1,000 residents, significantly exceeding the national average, Normal witnesses frequent incidents of theft, break-ins, and assault.
Lincoln:
Situated in northeast Huntsville, at the convergence of Winchester Road and Meridian Street, Lincoln shares a crime score of F, signifying it’s merely 2% safer than analogous localities nationwide. Boasting a crime rate of 88.67 per 1,000 inhabitants, more than four times the national average, prevalent offenses encompass theft, break-ins, and homicide.
Dallas:
Located in southwest Huntsville, proximate to the intersection of Drake Avenue and Triana Boulevard, Dallas garners an F grade for crime, indicating it’s just 5% safer than akin regions across the U.S. Boasting a crime rate of 76.97 per 1,000 residents, significantly surpassing the national average, Dallas contends with prevalent crimes such as theft, break-ins, and assaults.
The Northside Acres:
Nestled in northwest Huntsville, near the junction of Pulaski Pike and Mastin Lake Road, The Northside Acres secures an F rating for crime, suggesting it’s safer than only 1% of U.S. towns. With a staggering crime rate of 101.64 per 1,000 inhabitants, more than five times the national average, common offenses encompass theft, break-ins, and assaults.
These neighborhoods confront multifaceted challenges contributing to their heightened crime rates, including poverty, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, substance abuse, gang activity, and racial disparities. Consequently, residents within these communities often grapple with feelings of fear and despair regarding their future prospects.
In conclusion
while Madison County experiences growth and economic vibrancy, particularly within Huntsville, certain localities grapple with pressing issues, as highlighted by CrimeGrade.org’s assessment of the county’s top five most perilous areas: Terry Heights, Normal, Lincoln, Dallas, and The Northside Acres. Addressing these challenges necessitates holistic, community-driven solutions aimed at fostering safety, prosperity, and social well-being.