Midlands towns have been named among some of the safest in England, with residents in these areas rarely needing to worry about crime on their doorsteps. As one of the most populous and deprived regions, the West Midlands often carries a reputation for high crime, with serious offences reported frequently. However, just a short distance from the urban centres, the picture changes completely.
Safe Havens Around Birmingham
Surrounding Birmingham and the Black Country are quieter, rural towns and villages where crime is not usually a major issue. A recent study ranked parts of the country based on violent crime rates, with larger cities like Birmingham near the top. Yet the figures also highlight the safest locations in the region, largely untouched by crime. These include popular commuter spots where wealthier families choose to live, escaping the crime and noise of the big city while remaining close enough for work, shopping, and nightlife.
Shropshire: The Safest in the Region
The safest place in the region, according to violent crime statistics, is Shropshire. This rural and picturesque county ranked 254th nationally for violent crime, meaning incidents are rare. Shropshire includes towns such as Shrewsbury, Telford, Bridgnorth, and Market Drayton, but is predominantly a rural landscape.
Other Safe Areas
Another area considered safe is the district of South Staffordshire, which ranked 236th. Bordering Wolverhampton and Dudley, this area features villages like Kinver, Codsall, and Penkridge. Other West Midlands areas lower down on the crime list include Lichfield (208th), North Warwickshire (175th), and Stafford (174th).
National Context
Blackpool has the highest violent crime rate in England. In the Midlands, Nottingham ranks 7th, while Birmingham is slightly further down in 16th place. The study underscores that while urban centres face challenges, nearby rural and suburban areas offer significantly safer environments for residents.
