Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and one of its most diverse. It’s a place of opportunity, culture and constant change - home to major employers, world-class universities, historic neighbourhoods and fast-growing suburbs. From leafy residential streets to vibrant urban districts, Birmingham offers something for almost every lifestyle.
But with that scale comes complexity. Safety in Birmingham varies significantly from one neighbourhood to the next, and headline crime figures alone rarely tell the full story. If you’re considering moving to the city, whether you’re buying, renting, or relocating - one question naturally rises to the top: where are the safest places to live in Birmingham?
Understanding Safety in Birmigham
Birmingham’s overall crime rate is higher than the UK average, a reality shared by most large metropolitan areas. According to police-recorded crime data and Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting, Birmingham records significantly more offences per resident than smaller cities or rural areas.
However, this city-wide figure can be misleading.
Crime in Birmingham is highly concentrated. Central districts, nightlife areas, transport hubs and high-footfall zones naturally record more incidents — particularly theft, anti-social behaviour and public order offences. In contrast, many residential suburbs and outer wards record consistently lower crime rates and offer a far quieter, safer day-to-day experience.
This is why neighbourhood-level analysis matters - and why choosing where to live in Birmingham should never be based on city averages alone.
Safest Areas in Birmigham to Live
Hollywood
Hollywood enjoys notably low crime levels, with rates consistently well below the UK average and showing continued improvement over recent years. In 2024, the neighbourhood recorded around 10 incidents per month compared to the national average of 54, making it one of the safer areas in the region.
The positive trend has continued into 2025, with crime falling further to approximately 6 incidents per month. This places Hollywood significantly below both the UK average and neighbouring areas, reflecting a stable and secure community environment.
The neighbourhood's safety record compares favourably to surrounding areas, with crime rates substantially lower than nearby neighbourhoods. This consistent performance over the past three years demonstrates Hollywood's appeal as a peaceful residential location where community safety remains a clear strength.
Rubery North
Rubery North consistently records crime levels well below the UK average, with around 6 to 9 incidents per month compared to the national average of 38 to 55, making it one of the safer neighbourhoods in the area.
The neighbourhood has seen a positive trend over the past 3 years, with total crimes falling from 102 in 2023 to 76 in 2025. This represents a 25% reduction and suggests the area is becoming even safer over time.
What's particularly notable is how Rubery North compares to surrounding neighbourhoods. It records significantly fewer incidents than adjacent areas like Frankley Great Park and Rubery & Rednal, which average around 80 to 128 crimes per month. This makes Rubery North a notably quieter pocket within the wider Rubery area, appealing to those seeking a peaceful residential environment.
Hagley West
Hagley West is a notably safe neighbourhood with crime levels well below the national average, recording around 9 incidents per month in 2025 compared to the UK average of 38.
The area consistently performs better than most surrounding neighbourhoods and significantly outperforms national benchmarks. Over the past three years, crime has remained low and stable, with 190 incidents in 2023, 178 in 2024, and 107 recorded so far in 2025. This places Hagley West among the safest areas in the region.
The neighbourhood's low crime rate reflects a settled, community-focused environment. Neighbouring Hagley East shows similarly low figures, suggesting this is a genuinely peaceful part of the West Midlands where residents can feel secure in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Birmingham is a city of opportunity, diversity and growth, but like all major cities, safety depends heavily on where you live. While some central and inner-city districts record higher crime levels, many Birmingham neighbourhoods consistently offer lower crime, strong community ties and a genuine sense of security. Areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Harborne, Bournville, Edgbaston and parts of Moseley stand out for their calmer streets and residential character.
Understanding safety means looking beyond headlines and city averages. It requires context, trend analysis and local insight - exactly what Planna provides. By turning complex crime data into clear neighbourhood-level understanding, Planna helps you choose with confidence.
In a city as large and varied as Birmingham, peace of mind matters and with the right insight, it’s always within reach.