Is Gulf Shores or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gulf Shores is safer than Houston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 62% lower. Gulf Shores has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gulf Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 133.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gulf Shores — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gulf Shores, AL
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gulf Shores | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,078.9 | 5,441.7 | -3,362.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 287.1 | 1,148.3 | -861.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 73.0 | -44.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.5 | 274.0 | -262.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 246.9 | 787.4 | -540.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,791.8 | 4,293.5 | -2,501.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.9 | 644.8 | -529.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,625.2 | 2,945.7 | -1,320.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 51.7 | 703.0 | -651.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gulf Shores or Houston safer?
Gulf Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gulf Shores has a violent crime rate of 287.1 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Gulf Shores has lower violent crime.
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.
About Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.