New Home Office data has revealed that Nottingham, not Birmingham, is statistically the most dangerous city in the Midlands. With a crime rate of 124.9 offences per 1,000 residents, Nottingham ranks sixth worst in England, while Birmingham follows at 16th with a rate of 114.2 per 1,000.
The figures, based on recorded offences relative to population size, provide a more accurate local picture than raw totals. Birmingham records more overall crime, but its population of over one million dilutes the rate, placing it outside the top ten.
Midlands cities in national top 20
Derby (18th) and Stoke-on-Trent (19th) also feature in the national top 20, with crime rates of 109.8 and 108.5 per 1,000 respectively. Leicester sits at 21st, just outside the top 20. Black Country areas rank significantly lower, with Sandwell at 52nd, Walsall at 62nd, and Wolverhampton at 67th.
The data, released by the Home Office, shows that Middlesbrough has overtaken Blackpool as the most dangerous place in England overall. The rankings adjust for population, meaning larger cities like Birmingham do not automatically top the list.
National crime trends and serious offences
Nationally, the Home Office recorded a rise in several serious offence categories compared to the previous year. Sexual offences increased by 4%, stalking and harassment by 4%, robbery by 10%, drug crime by 12%, and possession of weapons by 8%. These increases occur against a backdrop of an overall falling crime trend, according to annual data.
“The general trend of falling overall crime is continuing, but the rise in serious offences like robbery and drug crime is concerning,” said a Home Office spokesperson. The figures highlight regional disparities, with the East Midlands facing particular challenges.
Full Midlands rankings
The top ten most dangerous parts of the Midlands, based on crime rate per 1,000 people, are:
- Nottingham – 6th nationally (124.9)
- Birmingham – 16th (114.2)
- Derby – 18th (109.8)
- Stoke-on-Trent – 19th (108.5)
- Leicester – 21st (106.3)
- Sandwell – 52nd (89.4)
- Walsall – 62nd (84.7)
- Wolverhampton – 67th (82.1)
- Coventry – 75th (78.9)
- Solihull – 104th (71.5)
These rates are calculated by dividing total recorded offences by the resident population, then multiplying by 1,000. This method allows for fair comparison between areas of different sizes.
Local impact and community response
Residents in Nottingham have expressed concerns about safety, with community leaders calling for increased policing. A local councillor said, “These figures reflect the reality on our streets, and we need more resources to tackle root causes.” In contrast, Solihull’s lower rate of 71.5 per 1,000 places it among the safer Midlands areas.
The data also shows that Birmingham, despite its higher total offences, has a rate closer to the national average. This distinction matters for policy decisions, as resources may be targeted based on risk rather than raw numbers.
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