Huntsville, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Huntsville, 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 Huntsville crime rate is lower than the national average by 22.3%. Specifically, there were 654 violent crimes in Huntsville, equivalent to 299 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 19.2%. Furthermore, Huntsville recorded 3297 property crimes, amounting to 1506 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 22.9%.

Huntsville showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Huntsville?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Huntsville residents. Out of the respondents (126 in total), 46% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Huntsville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 54% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Huntsville a Safe Place to Live?

Is Huntsville a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Huntsville has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 22%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 10.82 daily incidents, encompassing 1.79 violent crimes and 9.03 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Huntsville as a potential place to call home.

Potential Causes for Crime in Huntsville

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. Huntsville currently has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 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.

Huntsville has a population density of 911.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Huntsville crime rates.

In Huntsville, the median home price stands at $184,500, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Huntsville crime map