Hartselle, AL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Hartselle, AL

What is Hartselle's overall crime grade?

Hartselle earns an A- overall crime grade, placing it among the safer small cities in Alabama. Based on the most recent 90-day incident window covering 2,635 reported events, the data shows that the city's crime profile is dominated by lower-severity categories. Theft accounts for 25% of all incidents (approximately 656 reports), making it the most clearly defined crime concern, while assault represents 17% (around 439 incidents). More serious violent crimes are comparatively rare: shootings make up just 1% of incidents (16 events) and robbery accounts for less than 1% (11 incidents). That A- grade reflects a community where serious crime is genuinely uncommon relative to similarly sized cities nationwide.

What types of crime are most common in Hartselle?

Looking at the last 90 days of data, the largest single category is "Other" incidents at 45% (roughly 1,179 reports), which typically encompasses miscellaneous calls, suspicious activity, and non-classified events. After that, theft is the dominant named crime at 25%, consistent with national patterns for small cities where property crime outpaces violent crime. Assault comes in at 17%, followed by arrests at 6% and vandalism at 5%. Burglary is relatively contained at 2% (45 incidents). The low share of shootings (1%) and robbery (under 1%) underscores that Hartselle's crime landscape skews heavily toward property and minor offenses rather than violent crime.

Is Hartselle safe compared to other Alabama cities?

With an A- crime grade and a population of roughly 14,421 spread across a low-density footprint of 335 residents per square mile, Hartselle compares favorably to larger Alabama metros. The city's unemployment rate of 3.1% and median household income of $56,323 are economic indicators that correlate with lower crime environments. Over the most recent reporting period, violent incidents — shootings and robberies combined — represent just about 1% of all reported crime. For context, theft and vandalism together account for 30%, which is typical for suburban communities and far more manageable than the violent-crime concentrations seen in larger urban centers.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Hartselle?

While block-level crime data varies over time, neighborhoods near Sparkman Heights and the subdivisions surrounding Hartselle City Park have historically seen lower incident concentrations. The areas around Hartselle Elementary School and Hartselle Junior High School tend to attract family-oriented residents and benefit from active community engagement. The city's historic district also maintains a reputation for low crime and strong neighborhood watch participation. Given that burglary represents only 2% of recent incidents citywide, even the more active areas of Hartselle experience relatively modest property-crime pressure. Checking the interactive crime map regularly lets you filter by incident type and time period to identify the quietest pockets in real time.

How often does theft occur in Hartselle, and how can I protect myself?

Theft is the most statistically significant named crime in Hartselle, comprising 25% of all incidents in the last 90 days — approximately 656 theft reports with the most recent logged on March 12, 2026. That translates to roughly 7 theft incidents per day across the city. The good news: burglary (a more serious property crime involving forced entry) accounts for only 2% of incidents (45 reports), suggesting most theft is opportunistic rather than premeditated. Practical steps include locking vehicles, not leaving valuables visible in cars, securing garage doors, and installing motion-activated lighting — especially in neighborhoods with higher foot traffic near retail corridors.

How significant is violent crime in Hartselle?

Violent crime in Hartselle is a small fraction of overall incidents. Assault accounts for 17% of the recent 90-day total (approximately 439 incidents), but it is worth noting that assault classifications include a wide range of severity levels. More serious violent events are far rarer: shootings represent just 1% of incidents (16 events), with the most recent occurring on March 11, 2026, and robbery sits below 1% (11 incidents), last reported on March 7, 2026. Combined, shootings and robberies account for fewer than 27 incidents over a 90-day span in a city of over 14,000 — a rate that supports Hartselle's A- safety grade and its reputation as a low-violence community.

Is Hartselle a good place to live based on crime and economic data?

The combination of an A- crime grade, a 3.1% unemployment rate, and a median home value of $148,161 makes Hartselle an attractive option for families and individuals seeking affordable, safe living in North Alabama. The poverty rate of 12.5% is modest, and the median rent of $702 is well below national averages, lowering financial stress that often correlates with higher crime. With vandalism at just 5% and burglary at 2% of recent incidents, property owners face comparatively low risk. Residents in areas like Sparkman Heights and near the historic district particularly benefit from tight-knit community networks that help keep those already-low numbers in check.