Is Gulf Shores or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gulf Shores is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 33% lower. Gulf Shores has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gulf Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 95.5x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gulf Shores, AL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gulf Shores | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,078.9 | 3,125.4 | -1,046.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 287.1 | 800.0 | -512.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 64.3 | -35.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.5 | 181.6 | -170.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 246.9 | 545.3 | -298.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,791.8 | 2,325.3 | -533.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.9 | 317.2 | -202.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,625.2 | 1,582.1 | +43.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 51.7 | 426.0 | -374.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gulf Shores or Phoenix safer?
Gulf Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,079 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gulf Shores has a violent crime rate of 287.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.