Midlands Crime Rankings: Nottingham Tops List, Birmingham Lower Than Expected
A new crime list has ranked towns and cities across England, providing a detailed look at the most dangerous parts of the country. Crucially, the data has been adjusted for population based on the number of residents in each area, offering a more accurate reflection of crime levels rather than simply highlighting places with the largest populations.
Surprising Results for the Midlands
In the Midlands, it may come as a surprise that Birmingham does not have the highest number of offences per head. Instead, that unwanted title goes to Nottingham, which has shot up into the top 10 nationally on the 2026 crime list. The East Midlands city boasts a crime rate of 120.8 per 1,000 people, placing it in a prominent position.
Birmingham was lower down the list in 17th place with a rate of 113.9 per 1,000 people. While Birmingham's issues with serious crime are well-documented, this ranking is partly attributed to its massive population of over a million residents, which dilutes the per capita figures.
Other Midlands Cities in the Rankings
One other Midlands city made it into the top 20: Leicester secured 18th place. Perhaps surprisingly, Gloucester appeared in 24th, with Stoke-on-Trent following closely in 27th. The full list of Midlands towns and cities includes:
- Nottingham - 9th
- Birmingham - 17th
- Leicester - 18th
- Gloucester - 24th
- Stoke-on-Trent - 27th
- Derby - 37th
- Sandwell - 56th
- Wolverhampton - 57th
- Walsall - 70th
- Coventry - 73rd
Crime rates are calculated by comparing the rate of offending with the number of people who live in each area, indicating how likely it is that an individual will be a victim. This method ensures a fair comparison across different-sized communities.
National Context and Broader Implications
Outside London, Blackpool has the highest crime rate in England and Wales, followed by Manchester and then Middlesbrough. At the other end of the scale, Broadland in Norfolk boasts the lowest crime rate in the country, with Ribble Valley in Lancashire and Waverley in Surrey also ranking highly for safety.
An interactive map allows residents to check crime data for their specific areas, providing valuable insights for community awareness and safety planning. This new list underscores the importance of population-adjusted statistics in understanding true crime dynamics, moving beyond raw numbers to reveal nuanced patterns across regions.
