Is Gardendale or Mobile Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gardendale is safer than Mobile (Safety Score 47/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 1,785 per 100,000 versus 2,426 for Mobile — 26% lower. Gardendale has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gardendale has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Mobile is 14.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gardendale — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mobile — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gardendale, AL
Mobile, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gardendale | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,785.4 | 2,426.5 | -641.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 192.2 | 752.0 | -559.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.5 | -16.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 26.2 | -26.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.2 | 52.7 | -46.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 186.0 | 656.7 | -470.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,593.2 | 1,674.5 | -81.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 117.8 | 313.4 | -195.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,308.0 | 1,188.6 | +119.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 167.4 | 172.5 | -5.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gardendale or Mobile safer?
Gardendale is safer with a total crime rate of 1,785 per 100K vs 2,426 for Mobile — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gardendale has a violent crime rate of 192.2 per 100K while Mobile has 752.0. Gardendale has lower violent crime.
About Gardendale, AL
Gardendale, a northern suburb of Birmingham, was historically known as "Jugtown" for its pottery industry. Today, it's a growing community experiencing an influx of younger families. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 16,131, Gardendale has a total crime rate of 1,785.4 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.