Is Austin or Gulf Shores Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gulf Shores is safer than Austin (Safety Score 38/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 44% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gulf Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 56.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gulf Shores — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Gulf Shores, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Gulf Shores | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,078.9 | +1,630.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 287.1 | +180.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 28.7 | +38.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 11.5 | +73.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 246.9 | +60.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,791.8 | +1,450.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 114.9 | +330.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,625.2 | +572.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 51.7 | +546.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Gulf Shores safer?
Gulf Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Gulf Shores has 287.1. Gulf Shores has lower violent crime.
About Austin, TX
Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is a rapidly growing city in Central Texas. Situated on the Colorado River, it's the state capital and home to a diverse population, including many young professionals drawn to its tech industry. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 984,613, Austin has a total crime rate of 3,709.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores, Alabama, a popular spring break destination, sits on the Gulf of Mexico. Once a small fishing village, its year-round population is around 15,000, swelling significantly with tourists enjoying its white-sand beaches. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 17,413, Gulf Shores has a total crime rate of 2,078.9 per 100,000 residents.