Is Gadsden or Santa Cruz Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Cruz is safer than Gadsden (Safety Score 17/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 3,128 per 100,000 versus 3,159 for Gadsden — 1% lower. Gadsden has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Cruz has a 60% lower rate.
Gadsden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Cruz — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gadsden, AL
Santa Cruz, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gadsden | Santa Cruz | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,159.2 | 3,128.2 | +31.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 581.6 | 612.9 | -31.4 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 4.9 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 12.1 | 42.4 | -30.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 48.5 | 102.7 | -54.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 508.9 | 463.0 | +45.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,577.6 | 2,515.2 | +62.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 293.8 | 135.3 | +158.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,065.7 | 2,221.8 | -156.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 218.1 | 158.1 | +60.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gadsden or Santa Cruz safer?
Santa Cruz is safer with a total crime rate of 3,128 per 100K vs 3,159 for Gadsden — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gadsden has a violent crime rate of 581.6 per 100K while Santa Cruz has 612.9. Gadsden has lower violent crime.
About Gadsden, AL
Gadsden, a city in northeast Alabama's Appalachian foothills, sits on the Coosa River. It was a major industrial hub, home to Republic Steel, and is the county seat of Etowah County. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 33,015, Gadsden has a total crime rate of 3,159.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, California, a coastal city known for its historic Beach Boardwalk, sits on Monterey Bay. It's home to a significant student population, including the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 61,346, Santa Cruz has a total crime rate of 3,128.2 per 100,000 residents.