For the second year in a row, the National Council for Home Safety and Security has named Atmore one of Alabama’s 50 safest cities.
The ratings, which put Helena — a suburb of Birmingham — at the top of the list were based upon occurrences of violent crime and property crime in 2017. Four of the safest cities, according to the trade association of home security professionals, were in the Birmingham area (following Helena were Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Alabaster).
According to the data presented, Atmore experienced 93 violent crimes, 9.28 per 1,000 residents, and 413 property crimes, 41.21 per 1,000 residents.
“This is a tribute to our community and the people of our community,” said Atmore Mayor Jim Staff of the impressive listing. “We’ve got some troubles, but most of them are low-key.”
The mayor also pointed out that only one city in close proximity to Atmore was on the list. Prichard was listed at number 48.
“One of the things I noticed is that none of the towns and cities right around us made the list,” he said.
Two cities of comparable population were listed higher than Atmore; two others were farther down the list.
Pleasant Grove (pop. 10,293) was the NCHSS’s eighth listing, while Irondale (12,439) was 15th. Gulf Shores (11,340) was listed as the 41st-safest city in Alabama, while Sylacauga (12,623) was 44th.
Staff reiterated that it was the citizens who sparked Atmore’s inclusion in the annual listing.
“Most of the people who live here are hard-working, honest folks,” he said.