Is Helena or Mobile Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Helena is safer than Mobile (Safety Score 92/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 507 per 100,000 versus 2,426 for Mobile — 79% lower. Helena has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Helena has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Mobile is 10.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Helena — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mobile — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Helena, AL
Mobile, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Helena | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 507.3 | 2,426.5 | -1,919.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 71.2 | 752.0 | -680.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.5 | -16.5 |
| Rape Rate | 8.9 | 26.2 | -17.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 52.7 | -52.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 62.3 | 656.7 | -594.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 436.1 | 1,674.5 | -1,238.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 53.4 | 313.4 | -260.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 329.3 | 1,188.6 | -859.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 53.4 | 172.5 | -119.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helena or Mobile safer?
Helena is safer with a total crime rate of 507 per 100K vs 2,426 for Mobile — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Helena has a violent crime rate of 71.2 per 100K while Mobile has 752.0. Helena has lower violent crime.
About Helena, AL
Helena, once a bustling railroad town, sits along the Cahaba River in Shelby County. This picturesque community, part of the Birmingham metropolitan area, has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 22,470, Helena has a total crime rate of 507.3 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.