Is Hoover Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Founded in the 1850s and incorporated about a century later, Hoover is a city located at Alabama’s Appalachian Mountains foothills – covering two north-central Alabama counties.

Hoover ranks among the state’s sixth-largest cities, with a population that exceeds 86,000 (2021).

Hoover, along with residents of seven counties, is included, for statistical purposes, in the Birmingham-Hoover statistical region – with a population exceeding 1.1 million residents.

For decades, Hoover was a sleepy Birmingham bedroom community, offering good schools (compared to other public schools in the state), a solid police force, and other municipal facilities.

Check out Aldridge Gardens, Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls, among others.

The development of Hoover over the past few decades has included the Riverchase Galleria, a combination of more than 200 stores (2.3+ million square feet), office space, and hotels.

Hoover’s central business area is at the intersection of several major arteries in the area and serves residents and visitors alike.

Hoover has a temperate climate – with annual temperatures ranging between 55- and 74-degrees Fahrenheit, with an average monthly precipitation of just a bit more than 5 inches.

The minor league Birmingham Barons MLB team played in Hoover Metro Stadium from 1885 to 2013 but have recently moved to another facility.

Hoover has a temperate climate – with annual temperatures ranging between 55- and 74-degrees Fahrenheit, with an average monthly precipitation of just a bit more than 5 inches.

The minor league Birmingham Barons MLB team played in Hoover Metro Stadium from 1885 to 2013 but have recently moved to another facility.

Warnings & Dangers in Hoover

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Hoover, like many cities, has its share of crime. Specific crime statistics for Hoover, like 1.17 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, fall well below the national average (4 per 1,000) as well as the state of Alabama. Property crime in Hoover also falls at or below national and state averages. Hoover is ranked as safer than 45% of other US Cities.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation for Hoover residents and visitors is available by Metro Area Express (MAX), the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. Like most cities, it is best to travel during daylight hours and avoid solo trips until after sunset. If you must travel at night, choose well-lit, frequently used transportation stations or hubs. Have exact change when boarding.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are as old as time. The best defense in avoiding being 'pickpocketed' is to be mindful of your surroundings. When in crowds and being jostled by nearby people, hold your purse close to your body, or carry money & personal items in an inside coat pocket for the pocket of your pants or slacks.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The city of Hoover, like most of Alabama, is a prime climate for tornadoes and, at times, hurricanes. Unfortunately, a prime location for tornados and hurricanes. Hoover's tornadic risk far exceeds the state's average risk and significantly exceeds the average US location. Hurricanes are sporadic, with the last in 2011 (Hurricane Lee) and the most severe in 1992 with Hurricane Andrew. Flooding is often an issue for low-lying areas.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Recent yearly trends reveal that the risk of mugging or robbery has been on the decline, with an average that falls below national and state levels. But travelers must heed the warnings of travel experts and local officials.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorism, from an overall perspective, is on the rise across the country and the globe and is found in Hoover, Alabama, at average levels. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Homeland Security Department is the agency that helps manage terroristic threats and other suspicious activities in the greater Birmingham metro area.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The digital business world has generated a blitz of scams; some perpetrated in-person at times. Consumer fraud is found in Hoover, Alabama, and everywhere else, businesses and consumers coexist. In the past, the Hoover Police has issued SCAM warnings, when conditions warrant.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

When traveling by day, women are considered to be safe in Hoover. However, certain neighborhoods may pose some risk for women who travel alone – especially during nighttime hours. Travel with a mobile phone for emergencies, and it is best to travel in a group of two or more. Stay alert to your surroundings and know where you are going by researching the transportation routes and areas of interest ahead of time.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Water is sourced from two primary basins – the Cahaba Basin and the Black Water Basin. The water generated by the Birmingham Water Works Board is deemed safe for drinking following the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The regional 2020 Birmingham water report for tap water is available online.

Safest Places to Visit in Hoover

According to compiled data, Hoover ranked as the state’s thirteenth safest city.

With its recent growth as one of Birmingham’s bedroom communities, Hoover is now home to one of the southeastern United States’ largest shopping centers – the Riverchase Galleria.

The Galleria offers complimentary Wi-Fi, Safety experts, and stroller rentals.

Hoover’s funky vibe is seen through its local art & music scene.

For some acoustic sounds, Moonlight on the Mountain offers a music artist showcase of up-and-coming local talent.

To discover the artist in you, check out the many ‘painting with a twist’ options in and around Hoover.

Sip your favorite potent potable (or otherwise) while learning the fine art of painting by other talented artists.

Hoover offers its residents and visitors some of the most delectable cuisine options.

For authentic Cajun grub, check out Jubilee Joe’s, with locally sourced favorites like seafood gumbo, Cajun crawfish, and blackened gator bites.

Or the family-friendly Front Porch.

Outdoor lovers will find the Aldridge Botanical Gardens a wonderful setting primarily dedicated to hydrangea (Hoover’s City Flower) to walk about the gardens near a six-acre lake and through the garden’s developer’s former home.

Perhaps one of Hoover’s finest natural environments is Moss Rock Preserve, offering miles of trails to enjoy waterfalls or rock formations – and a rare option of seeing certain plants only in a few states.

Finally, Georgetown Lake Park, a three-acre green space/park in the city’s center.

The best view is from Lover’s Leap, Hoover’s most romantic site near historic Bluff Park.

For outdoor family fun, Hoover’s Veteran’s Park offers 80+ acres, offering playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and a 5K trail that winds its way through the lake and the woods, enjoying breathtaking beauty.

Sports lover, check out the Metropolitan Stadium, home to baseball tournaments – and was once where Michael Jordan played with the local minor league team – the Birmingham Broncos.

Places to Avoid in Hoover

Most of Hoover’s crime statistics fall below national averages.

Hoover, as a nearby community to Birmingham, may have some spill-over events but is relatively safe to navigate as a traveler if you always stay aware and use common sense when visiting.

Street smarts and proactive safety measures offer increased security in most of Hoover’s neighborhoods.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Hoover

So... How Safe Is Hoover Really?

The city of Hoover is one of the safer neighborhoods in Alabama as well as the greater Birmingham metropolitan area.

And while it ranks high on the list for safe Alabama cities, Hoover does have some rough areas, like most urban locations.

Your level of safety primarily depends on your location, if you are driving or walking, as well as the time of day.

Remember, Alabama’s overall crime rates averages exceed national averages, so even a safe city may pose some threat or risk to travelers, especially women and those visiting the city alone.

How Does Hoover Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

The United States Department of State's Consular Affairs Bureau is the federal agency tasked with the responsibility of managing the issuance of passports. The Consular Affairs Bureau typically mandates significant lead time before issuing a passport, although private firms offer expedited services for a fee.

Currency

The entire Heart of Dixie state uses the US Dollar as currency. Travelers to Hoover will find banks and other financial companies that offer currency exchange services. Note that ATMs are available, with most merchants accepting debit & credit cards.

Weather

Hoover tends to be rainier than the average United States location. Hoover has an average of 56 inches of rain annually, compared to 38 inches for the US average. Hoover receives an average of 115 days of precipitation, with is about ten days more than the US average. Like most of the southern United States, Hoover is a humid climate and is most uncomfortable during summer days and nights.

Airports

About ten miles from Hoover is the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) which services five airlines and more than 100 flights each day. The small Shelby County Airport in Alabaster, Alabama, is located about fifteen miles from Hoover. The Tuscaloosa Regional Airport is about an hour away from Hoover.

Travel Insurance

Travelers face a variety of risks and potential losses. Depending on the coverage, travel insurance may help reduce the likelihood of loss and offer reimbursement for covered losses. Travel insurance may also include coverage and protection for the injuries or illness of an insured traveler.

Hoover Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Alabama - Safety by City