Huntsville, AL Crime Rate & Safety

Huntsville, AL has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 14% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 222 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 39 chance for property crime. Huntsville has higher crime than 76% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Huntsville has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 70% of the city's 23 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Mt. Carmel by the River is one of the safest areas, while Terry Heights / Hillandale has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Huntsville is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Huntsville are Mt. Carmel by the River, Green Mountain, Monte Sano, English Village, and Whitesburg Estates. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Huntsville include Terry Heights / Hillandale, Lowe Mill, West Huntsville, Crestwood, and Triana Village. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Huntsville is 450.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 18% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 222 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.9 per 100K (18% above average); aggravated assault at 320.1 per 100K (19% above average); robbery at 88.2 per 100K (19% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Huntsville is 2,538.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 39% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 39 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 340.4 per 100K (26% above average); larceny/theft at 1,784.7 per 100K (27% above average); vehicle theft at 413.1 per 100K (30% above average).

Huntsville's overall crime rate is 14% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (30% above average), while rape is 9% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Huntsville has higher crime than 76% of them.

Visitors to Huntsville should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 39% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Mt. Carmel by the River, Green Mountain, Monte Sano.

Alabama as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Huntsville's crime rate is 14% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Alabama city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Huntsville, with an estimated rate of 1,784.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 27% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,538 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (451 per 100K) in Huntsville, which is consistent with national trends.