Muscle Shoals, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Muscle Shoals, AL

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Muscle Shoals is 20.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 61 violent crimes reported in Muscle Shoals, equivalent to 361 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 2.5%. Additionally, Muscle Shoals recorded 413 property crimes, amounting to 2441 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 24.9%.

The violent crime rate in Muscle Shoals closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 361 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Muscle Shoals as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

In the most recently reported crime year, Muscle Shoals registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Muscle Shoals?

What do the local residents think about crime in Muscle Shoals? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Muscle Shoals residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 44% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Muscle Shoals a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Muscle Shoals 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. Muscle Shoals has a total crime rate that is 21% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.3 daily crimes (0.17 violent daily crimes and 1.13 daily property crimes) in Muscle Shoals.

Has Crime in Muscle Shoals Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Muscle Shoals. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Muscle Shoals has increased by 5.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 79.4%, while property crimes have increased by 0.5%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals has a poverty rate of 5.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Muscle Shoals is $151,300, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Muscle Shoals, the average monthly rent stands at $809, while the national average is $949 per month.

Muscle Shoals crime map