F
70%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
151%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleMobile/100k peopleAlabama/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime9,429n/a (estimate)3,9402,1482,324
Murder41n/a17.110.96.3
Rape124n/a51.829.640.0
Robbery135n/a56.434.566.1
Assault1,918n/a801.4334.1268.2
Violent crime2,218n/a (estimate)927409370
Burglary1,077n/a450.0283.9269.8
Theft5,521n/a2,306.91,252.71,401.9
Vehicle theft613n/a256.1202.3282.7
Property crime7,211n/a (estimate)3,0131,7391,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Mobile, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Mobile is 69.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Mobile, there were 2218 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 927 per 100,000 individuals, 150.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 7211 property crimes, amounting to 3013 per 100,000 residents, 54.2% higher than the U.S. average.

With a violent crime rate of 927 crimes per 100,000 residents, Mobile is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Mobile ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 108 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Mobile ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Mobile, there were a total of 41 murders, translating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Mobile?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Mobile. Based on the results of the surveys (172 responses), 26% of people felt that there was very little crime in Mobile and felt safe walking alone at night. While 74% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Mobile a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Mobile is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Mobile has a total crime rate that is 70% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 25.83 daily crimes (6.08 violent daily crimes and 19.76 daily property crimes) in Mobile.

Has Crime in Mobile Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Mobile has decreased by 72.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mobile 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 67.2%, while property crime has decreased by 73.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mobile.

Mobile Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Mobile region comprises an array of over 155 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Mobile are exemplars such as Malibar Heights, Skyland Park and North Industrial Area, whereas Tillman, Oakdale and Maryvale grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Mobile

In Mobile, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Mobile crime rates.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Mobile, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.78 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Mobile are $873, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Mobile crime map



The Mobile crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Mobile as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Mobile crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Mobile crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Mobile, AL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Mobile crime rates are 70% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Mobile are 151% higher than the national average
      • In Mobile you have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Mobile is safer than 5% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Mobile has decreased by 72%

      Mobile, AL Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Mobile

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Mobile?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Mobile?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
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        Daily Crime In Mobile (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Mobile on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Alabama and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Mobile (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Alabama, are 1.83 times more than the state average and 1.70 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Mobile on a daily basis are 2.27 times more than than Alabama average and 2.51 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Mobile are 1.73 times more than the daily state average and 1.54 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Mobile (higher is better)

        Is Mobile safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Alabama as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Mobile to other cities in the state and across the country, Mobile is 5% safer than other cities of Alabama and 5% safer than other cities in the nation. Mobile has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Mobile

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Mobile is 1 in 108
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Mobile is 1 in 34
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Mobile is 1 in 26
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Mobile, Alabama you have a 1 in 108 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Mobile.

        Year Over Year Crime In Mobile (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Mobile is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Mobile has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 67% in Mobile, while property crimes in Mobile have decreased by 73%. Total crime has decreased by 72% year over year.

        Mobile police department

        Item Mobile Alabama National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)7009,968558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.84.13.3
        There are a total of 700 Mobile police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 31.5% less than the Alabama average and 14.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Alabama

        State Total offenders Alabama /100K National /100K
        Alabama10,698231266
        There are a total of 10,698 sex offenders in Alabama. This yields a total of 231 sex offenders in Alabama per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Satsuma, AL6,16359440499
        Stapleton, AL2,509133564696
        Semmes, AL5,7802058701,074
        Daphne, AL26,578741,2221,296
        Fairhope, AL22,0351811,5331,714
        Spanish Fort, AL8,991371,7311,768
        Theodore, AL6,0393891,6532,042
        Mobile, AL189,9949273,0133,940

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Shreveport, LA189,8908113,7904,601
        Cape Coral, FL189,6333582,1662,524
        McKinney, TX191,1971141,0381,152
        Frisco, TX188,3871031,3371,440
        Tempe, AZ191,6075844,3344,919
        Mobile, AL189,9949273,0133,940
        Source: The Mobile, AL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.