Is Birmingham or Gulf Shores Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gulf Shores is safer than Birmingham (Safety Score 38/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100,000 versus 5,279 for Birmingham — 61% lower. Birmingham has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gulf Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Birmingham is 11.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Birmingham — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gulf Shores — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, AL
Gulf Shores, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Gulf Shores | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,278.9 | 2,078.9 | +3,200.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,247.6 | 287.1 | +960.4 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 0.0 | +58.9 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 28.7 | -13.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 201.1 | 11.5 | +189.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 971.8 | 246.9 | +724.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,031.4 | 1,791.8 | +2,239.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 729.7 | 114.9 | +614.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,493.6 | 1,625.2 | +868.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 808.0 | 51.7 | +756.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Gulf Shores safer?
Gulf Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100K vs 5,279 for Birmingham — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 1,247.6 per 100K while Gulf Shores has 287.1. Gulf Shores has lower violent crime.
About Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, Alabama, a city forged in the steel industry, sits at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. It's the most populous city in Alabama's Jefferson County. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 195,418, Birmingham has a total crime rate of 5,278.9 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.