Nottingham has been named the most dangerous place in the Midlands, according to newly released Home Office crime figures that adjust for population. The city ranks sixth across England and Wales, overtaking Birmingham, which many residents might have expected to top the regional list.
The data, covering the year ending March 2026, calculates offences per head of population rather than by total numbers. This approach gives a clearer picture of the risk of becoming a victim of crime, ensuring that densely populated cities are not unfairly singled out simply because they have more people.
Midlands crime ranking: full list
The Midlands features prominently in the top 20 national rankings, with three cities in the top 20. Nottingham leads the region, followed by Birmingham, Derby, and Stoke-on-Trent. Black Country areas and other towns appear much further down the list, indicating lower per-person crime rates.
- Nottingham – 6th nationally
- Birmingham – 16th
- Derby – 18th
- Stoke-on-Trent – 19th
- Leicester – 21st
- Sandwell – 52nd
- Walsall – 62nd
- Wolverhampton – 67th
- Coventry – 75th
- Solihull – 104th
These rankings contrast with national trends, where Middlesbrough has overtaken Blackpool as the most dangerous place in England and Wales. The figures show that urban, densely populated areas with higher levels of poverty tend to experience more crime, which is consistent with the Midlands list.
National crime trends: mixed picture
The latest Home Office recorded crime statistics reveal a rise in several serious offence categories. Sexual offences increased by 4%, stalking and harassment also rose by 4%, while robbery jumped by 10%. Drug crime surged by 12% and possession of weapons increased by 8% compared with the previous year.
Despite these concerning increases, the broader trend of falling crime over the past decade continues. In the year ending March 2026, 5.2 million non-fraud offences were recorded across England and Wales, representing a 1% decrease on the previous 12 months.
What this means for residents
For people living in the Midlands, the data highlights which areas require the most attention from local authorities and police forces. Nottingham's unenviable position at sixth nationally will likely prompt renewed debate about resources and crime prevention strategies in the city.
Birmingham's ranking at 16th, despite its much larger population, suggests that crime is not simply a factor of size but of specific local conditions. Derby and Stoke-on-Trent also appear in the national top 20, indicating a regional pattern that extends beyond the largest urban centres.
The relatively lower rankings of Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton may reassure residents of the Black Country, but the data also hides variations within smaller areas. Analysis at community level can provide more detail for local safety initiatives.
As the Home Office continues to publish these statistics, the focus will remain on how effectively police and councils respond to the specific challenges identified. The rise in drug crime and robbery, in particular, will require targeted action.
The full national list provides an important benchmark, but the Midlands results serve as a reminder that crime rates are a complex measure. Population-adjusted figures offer a fairer comparison, yet they still reflect the lived experience of thousands of residents in the region's towns and cities.
