Is Auburn University safe?
Auburn, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Auburn University as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Auburn University
“Go. Auburn University is an exceptionally safe, vibrant, and welcoming college campus with very low rates of violent crime. Visitors can comfortably explore the grounds day or night by taking basic precautions against opportunistic property theft.”
About the area
Auburn University's campus features stately brick architecture, lush green spaces, and a lively collegiate atmosphere centered around historic Toomer's Corner. It functions as both an academic hub and the cultural core of the city, seamlessly connecting university buildings with adjacent downtown shops and eateries.
- Collegiate
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Pedestrian-Friendly
- Vibrant
Walking and biking in Auburn University
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 78/100
The campus offers dedicated bike lanes, shared pedestrian concourses, and on-campus bike rental programs connecting smoothly to the City of Auburn's municipal bike network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent crime rate supported by dedicated campus safety personnel and Auburn Police patrols
- Extensive network of emergency blue-light towers, active security escorts, and well-lit pedestrian pathways
- High institutional investment in infrastructure, public health, and modern facilities
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic theft of unattended electronics and unlocked bicycles
- Heavy vehicle and pedestrian congestion along with alcohol-related rowdiness during home football game weekends
- Census data shows high statistical poverty due to the large non-earning student population
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence on the university campus or in the immediate surrounding downtown area, and street encampments are virtually nonexistent.
What Auburn University is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and energized with students, staff, and joggers traversing well-lit paved concourses safely.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling with heavy foot traffic between classes and vibrant activity around the student center and dining areas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active and generally very safe as dining spots and libraries fill up, though side streets see quieter foot traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet across most academic quads with some festive student activity near downtown bars; safety remains high but staying to lit paths is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Campus is primarily served by Tiger Transit, which operates extensive shuttle bus routes throughout campus and student housing complexes; regional transit is provided on a demand-response basis by Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT), with no local rail service.
Campus parking requires strict university permits on weekdays, but visitors can use downtown metered street parking or city parking decks like the Wright Street Deck for around $1 to $2 per hour.
Things to do in Auburn University
- Stroll through the historic campus core to view Samford Hall and roll the iconic oaks at Toomer's Corner
- Explore regional art exhibits and outdoor sculpture gardens at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
- Tour the Donald E. Davis Arboretum to enjoy native Southeastern plants, peaceful walking paths, and lily ponds
Local favorites
- Toomer's Drugs · Historic Soda Fountain & Gift Shop · 4.6★ (1650)Famed Auburn landmark serving freshly squeezed lemonade and classic soda fountain treats since 1896.
- The Hound · American Southern Restaurant · 4.6★ (1820)Rustic, lively gathering spot offering bourbon, craft beer, and classic Southern dishes with an upscale twist.
- Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers · Independent Bookstore & Cafe · 4.8★ (320)Charming downtown bookstore featuring curated reads, specialty coffee, and craft cocktails.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.