Is Gadsden or Mobile Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mobile is safer than Gadsden (Safety Score 30/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100,000 versus 3,159 for Gadsden — 23% lower. Gadsden has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Mobile has a 35% lower rate.
Note: Mobile is 7.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gadsden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mobile — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gadsden, AL
Mobile, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gadsden | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,159.2 | 2,426.5 | +732.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 581.6 | 752.0 | -170.5 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 16.5 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 12.1 | 26.2 | -14.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 48.5 | 52.7 | -4.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 508.9 | 656.7 | -147.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,577.6 | 1,674.5 | +903.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 293.8 | 313.4 | -19.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,065.7 | 1,188.6 | +877.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 218.1 | 172.5 | +45.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gadsden or Mobile safer?
Mobile is safer with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100K vs 3,159 for Gadsden — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gadsden has a violent crime rate of 581.6 per 100K while Mobile has 752.0. Gadsden has lower violent crime.
About Gadsden, AL
Gadsden, a city in northeast Alabama's Appalachian foothills, sits on the Coosa River. It was a major industrial hub, home to Republic Steel, and is the county seat of Etowah County. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 33,015, Gadsden has a total crime rate of 3,159.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Mobile, AL
Mobile, Alabama, a port city on Mobile Bay, boasts a rich Mardi Gras tradition predating New Orleans. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting its deep Southern roots. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 237,092, Mobile has a total crime rate of 2,426.5 per 100,000 residents.