| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gulf Shores/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 362 | n/a (estimate) | 2,079 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 28.7 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 11.5 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 43 | n/a | 246.9 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 287 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 114.9 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 283 | n/a | 1,625.2 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 51.7 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 312 | n/a (estimate) | 1,792 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Gulf Shores is 1.9% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Gulf Shores, there were 50 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 287 per 100,000 individuals, 20% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 312 property crimes, amounting to 1792 per 100,000 residents, 1.8% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Gulf Shores per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Gulf Shores crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the latest reported crime year, Gulf Shores recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Gulf Shores is very similar to the national average. Gulf Shores had a property crime rate of 1792, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Gulf Shores residents. Out of the respondents (69 in total), 61% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Gulf Shores were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 39% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Gulf Shores is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Gulf Shores has a total crime rate that is 2% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.99 daily crimes (0.14 violent daily crimes and 0.85 daily property crimes) in Gulf Shores.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Gulf Shores. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Gulf Shores has decreased by 30.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 108.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 37.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Gulf Shores currently has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Gulf Shores, the cost of living is 10.85% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Gulf Shores, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Gulf Shores | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 54 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Magnolia Springs, AL | 1,159 | 51 | 220 | 270 |
| Bon Secour, AL | 2,072 | 84 | 363 | 447 |
| Perdido Beach, AL | 457 | 163 | 707 | 870 |
| Foley, AL | 20,043 | 193 | 1,529 | 1,722 |
| Orange Beach, AL | 6,366 | 357 | 1,845 | 2,202 |
| Elberta, AL | 2,012 | 513 | 2,984 | 3,496 |
| Summerdale, AL | 1,470 | 871 | 2,985 | 3,856 |
| Gulf Shores, AL | 12,877 | 287 | 1,792 | 2,079 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Riverdale, IL | 12,878 | 709 | 2,857 | 3,567 |
| Washington, IN | 12,882 | 268 | 473 | 742 |
| Grand Terrace, CA | 12,885 | 264 | 1,725 | 1,989 |
| West Monroe, LA | 12,888 | 1,156 | 5,886 | 7,042 |
| Artesia, NM | 12,890 | 494 | 2,156 | 2,650 |
| Gulf Shores, AL | 12,877 | 287 | 1,792 | 2,079 |
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