Mobile, AL Crime Rates

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