| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gadsden/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,043 | n/a (estimate) | 3,159 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 12.1 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 12.1 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 48.5 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 168 | n/a | 508.9 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 192 | n/a (estimate) | 582 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 97 | n/a | 293.8 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 682 | n/a | 2,065.7 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 72 | n/a | 218.1 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 851 | n/a (estimate) | 2,578 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Gadsden crime rate is higher than the national average by 49.1%. Specifically, there were 192 violent crimes in Gadsden, equivalent to 582 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 62%. Furthermore, Gadsden recorded 851 property crimes, amounting to 2578 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 46.5%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Gadsden ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Gadsden, there were a total of 4 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes surveyed 36 local residents in Gadsden to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 31% of people answered that there was very little crime in Gadsden and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 69% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Gadsden a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Gadsden crime rate is 49% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.86 crimes per day - 0.53 violent crimes and 2.33 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Gadsden has decreased by 67% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Gadsden is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 64.2%, while property crime has decreased by 67.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Gadsden.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Gadsden crime rate. The poverty level in Gadsden is 26.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Gadsden, the cost of living is 19.22% lower than the national average.
In Gadsden, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 0 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Gadsden | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Southside, AL | 8,981 | 104 | 322 | 425 |
| Hokes Bluff, AL | 4,351 | 85 | 403 | 487 |
| New Union, AL | 1,034 | 110 | 478 | 588 |
| Steele, AL | 1,164 | 0 | 598 | 598 |
| Ballplay, AL | 1,581 | 145 | 630 | 774 |
| Coats Bend, AL | 1,103 | 146 | 633 | 779 |
| Tidmore Bend, AL | 1,082 | 157 | 684 | 842 |
| Gadsden, AL | 36,146 | 582 | 2,578 | 3,159 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Monroe, NC | 36,140 | 653 | 3,334 | 3,987 |
| Lebanon, TN | 36,126 | 345 | 1,034 | 1,378 |
| Post Falls, ID | 36,171 | 152 | 643 | 794 |
| Bell, CA | 36,113 | 584 | 1,161 | 1,745 |
| Upper Arlington, OH | 36,196 | 28 | 799 | 827 |
| Gadsden, AL | 36,146 | 582 | 2,578 | 3,159 |
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