Gautier, MS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Gautier, MS

What is Gautier's overall crime grade?

Gautier, MS earns an overall crime grade of C- for 2026. This grade reflects a combination of property and violent crime rates measured against national and state benchmarks. With a population of 18,436 and a poverty rate of 20.5% — roughly double the national average — Gautier faces economic pressures that correlate with elevated crime risk. The 10.2% unemployment rate also contributes to the city's below-average safety profile. That said, a C- grade means Gautier is neither among the most dangerous nor the safest communities in Mississippi; it sits in the lower-middle tier, and many residents live without experiencing crime directly.

How safe is Gautier compared to similar Mississippi cities?

With a C- crime grade, Gautier falls below average when compared to similarly sized Mississippi Gulf Coast communities. The city's median household income of $51,382 and median home value of $132,383 suggest a working-class community where property crime tends to be the dominant concern. Property crimes — including burglary, vehicle theft, and larceny — typically account for the largest share of incidents in cities with Gautier's socioeconomic profile. Violent crime exists but is a smaller portion of total reported incidents. Residents in more established neighborhoods near the waterfront and the Silver Creek area generally report a stronger sense of safety than those in higher-density corridors.

What types of crime are most common in Gautier?

Property crime is the leading category in Gautier's crime data. Theft and burglary consistently rank as the most frequently reported offense types, followed by motor vehicle theft. Vandalism and drug-related offenses also appear regularly in local incident reports. Violent crimes such as assault are tracked and do occur, but they represent a smaller percentage of total incidents compared to property offenses. Given the city's population density of just 235 residents per square mile — relatively low — crime is not heavily concentrated in a single corridor, though areas with higher foot traffic and commercial activity tend to show elevated incident counts on the crime map.

Which neighborhoods in Gautier have the best safety reputation?

While granular block-level grades are not available for every pocket of Gautier, community feedback and crime map patterns point to a few areas with stronger safety reputations. The Silver Creek community and neighborhoods near the Gautier waterfront are frequently cited by residents as quieter, well-maintained areas with active community ties. Zones near Gautier Middle School and established suburban streets also tend to attract families who prioritize safety. By contrast, areas with higher commercial density or proximity to major transit corridors may show a higher concentration of property crime incidents. Checking the interactive crime map regularly will give you the most current picture of incident distribution across these neighborhoods.

Is Gautier a good place to live given its C- crime grade?

A C- crime grade means Gautier has real safety challenges, but it does not mean the city is uniformly dangerous. For context, the city's low population density of 235 people per square mile means incidents are spread across a wide geographic area rather than concentrated in a small urban core. Affordable housing — with a median home value of just $132,383 and median rent of $924 — makes Gautier accessible for families and retirees on modest budgets. The median household income of $51,382 supports a stable, if economically stretched, community. The 20.5% poverty rate is the most significant risk factor tied to crime levels, and improvement in that metric over time would likely push Gautier's grade upward. For prospective residents, choosing a neighborhood with a strong community watch presence and reviewing the latest crime map data are the most effective first steps.

How can I use the Gautier crime map to protect my home?

The crime map is most valuable when used consistently rather than as a one-time lookup. Start by filtering for property crimes — burglary, theft, and vehicle theft — within a one-mile radius of your address to understand your immediate risk profile. Pay attention to time-based filters: many property crimes in residential areas occur during daytime hours when homes are unoccupied. If your block shows repeated incidents, consider coordinating with neighbors to form or reinforce a neighborhood watch. Practical home-hardening steps — deadbolt locks, motion-activated lighting, and visible security cameras — remain among the most cost-effective deterrents regardless of your specific location within Gautier. For the most current data, cross-reference the Gautier Police Department's official reports with third-party platforms like CrimeMapping.com.