Is Gulf Shores or Huntsville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gulf Shores is safer than Huntsville (Safety Score 38/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100,000 versus 2,872 for Huntsville — 28% 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: Huntsville is 13.1x 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
Huntsville — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gulf Shores, AL
Huntsville, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gulf Shores | Huntsville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,078.9 | 2,871.9 | -793.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 287.1 | 483.6 | -196.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.3 | -8.3 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 48.5 | -19.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.5 | 53.8 | -42.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 246.9 | 372.6 | -125.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,791.8 | 2,388.3 | -596.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.9 | 321.4 | -206.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,625.2 | 1,808.9 | -183.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 51.7 | 258.0 | -206.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gulf Shores or Huntsville safer?
Gulf Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100K vs 2,872 for Huntsville — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gulf Shores has a violent crime rate of 287.1 per 100K while Huntsville has 483.6. 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 Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, Alabama, a city rooted in aerospace since the Space Race, sits in the Appalachian foothills. It's a growing tech hub with a significant population of highly educated professionals. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 228,697, Huntsville has a total crime rate of 2,871.9 per 100,000 residents.