Gulf Shores, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gulf Shores, AL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Gulf Shores crime rate is higher than the national average by 18.4%. Specifically, there were 54 violent crimes in Gulf Shores, equivalent to 332 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 10.3%. Furthermore, Gulf Shores recorded 394 property crimes, amounting to 2421 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 23.9%.

The violent crime rate in Gulf Shores closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 332 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Gulf Shores as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Gulf Shores?

What do the local residents think about crime in Gulf Shores? Well, based on a recent survey of 65 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 62% of Gulf Shores residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 38% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Gulf Shores a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Gulf Shores, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Gulf Shores presents a total crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Gulf Shores experiences an average of 1.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.15 violent incidents and 1.08 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Gulf Shores Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Gulf Shores has decreased by 14%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Gulf Shores, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 125%, while property crime has decreased by 20.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Gulf Shores is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gulf Shores

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 2.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Gulf Shores crime rates. The population density in Gulf Shores is 442.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Gulf Shores stands at $254,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Gulf Shores crime map