According to the 2020 census1, Montgomery County, Alabama, has 228,954 people, making it the fifth most popular county in the state. Montgomery, the state capital and biggest city in the county, is in this county, which makes it worth mentioning.
The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and the Alabama State Capitol are two of the many attractions and historical sites in Montgomery County. However, it is important to note that some parts of the county have a bad reputation for having high crime rates and violence.
A website called CrimeGrade.org gives crime maps and information for many U.S. counties and cities. Based on that data, these five areas in Montgomery County, Alabama are thought to be the most dangerous:
Dayton
a city with a population of approximately 140,000, serves as the county seat and the largest urban center in Montgomery County. Situated along the Great Miami River, it stands as one of Ohio’s oldest and most historic cities, housing notable landmarks such as the Carillon Historical Park, the Dayton Art Institute, and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
Despite its cultural richness, Dayton faces a significant challenge with a high crime rate, exceeding the national average by 102%. The violent crime rate is particularly alarming, being 316% higher than the national average, with an incident occurring, on average, every 18 minutes. The city has a population density of around 2,500 individuals per square mile, and the likelihood of falling victim to a crime here may be as high as 1 in 15.
Trotwood
Moving on to Trotwood, a city with a population of approximately 24,000 situated to the west of Dayton along State Route 49. Established as a village in 1901, it derives its name from a character in Charles Dickens’ novel “David Copperfield.” Despite hosting various amenities like parks, schools, churches, and businesses, Trotwood contends with a crime rate 72% above the national average.
The violent crime rate is 184% higher than the national average, with a crime occurring roughly every 25 minutes. The city’s population density is around 1,000 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of being a victim of crime here might be as high as 1 in 19.
Harrison Township
with a population of around 25,000, lies north of Dayton alongside Interstate 75. Established in 1816, it includes communities such as Fort McKinley, Shiloh, and Northridge. However, Harrison Township struggles with a crime rate 66% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate exceeds the national average by 167%, resulting in an average of one crime occurring every 27 minutes.
Riverside
a city hosting about 25,000 residents, lies to the east of Dayton along U.S. Route 35. Established in 1995, it features attractions like the Wright Brothers Memorial Park, the Stebbins High School Stadium, and the Riverside Historical Society Museum.
Yet, Riverside contends with a crime rate 59% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate surpasses the national average by 150%, translating to a crime taking place roughly every 29 minutes. The city has a population density of about 1,500 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of falling victim to a crime here may be as high as 1 in 23.
Jefferson Township
housing approximately 6,000 inhabitants, lies to the south of Dayton along State Route 4. Established in 1805, it features historic sites such as the Sunwatch Indian Village Archaeological Park, the Possum Creek MetroPark Farmhouse Complex, and the Jefferson Schoolhouse.
Nevertheless, Jefferson Township contends with a crime rate 50% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate surpasses the national average by 127%, resulting in an average of one crime occurring every 31 minutes. The township has a population density of about 300 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of being a victim of crime here might be as high as 1 in 25.
In conclusion
Not only do the people who live in these neighborhoods face danger, but so do tourists and guests who may not be aware of the risks and precautions they need to take when they visit these areas.