| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gardendale/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 288 | n/a (estimate) | 1,785 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 6.2 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 30 | n/a | 186.0 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 31 | n/a (estimate) | 192 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 117.8 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 211 | n/a | 1,308.0 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 27 | n/a | 167.4 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 257 | n/a (estimate) | 1,593 | 1,565 | 1,760 |

The Gardendale crime rates are 15.8% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 31 violent crimes in Gardendale (192 per 100,000 people), which is 46.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 257 property crimes (1593 per 100,000 residents) which is 9.5% lower than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Gardendale experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Gardendale is very similar to the national average. Gardendale had a property crime rate of 1593, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Gardendale, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Gardendale presents a total crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Gardendale experiences an average of 0.79 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 0.7 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Gardendale has decreased by 34.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Gardendale 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 67%, while property crime has decreased by 25.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Gardendale.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Gardendale crime rates. The population density in Gardendale is 631.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Gardendale, 88.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Gardendale, the cost of living is 2.17% lower than the national average.
| Item | Gardendale | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Kimberly, AL | 3,646 | 132 | 331 | 464 |
| Concord, AL | 1,636 | 89 | 387 | 476 |
| Morris, AL | 2,045 | 89 | 402 | 491 |
| Smoke Rise, AL | 1,901 | 93 | 403 | 495 |
| Trafford, AL | 544 | 0 | 514 | 514 |
| Sylvan Springs, AL | 1,872 | 99 | 431 | 530 |
| Graysville, AL | 2,387 | 151 | 657 | 808 |
| Gardendale, AL | 14,518 | 192 | 1,593 | 1,785 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Dora, FL | 14,517 | 153 | 813 | 966 |
| Bayou Blue, LA | 14,519 | 506 | 2,234 | 2,740 |
| Circleville, OH | 14,509 | 280 | 1,703 | 1,983 |
| California City, CA | 14,506 | 589 | 1,587 | 2,176 |
| Moultrie, GA | 14,536 | 1,162 | 4,909 | 6,070 |
| Gardendale, AL | 14,518 | 192 | 1,593 | 1,785 |