Is Mobile or Opelika Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mobile is safer than Opelika (Safety Score 30/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100,000 versus 3,185 for Opelika — 24% lower. Mobile has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Opelika has a 47% lower rate.
Note: Mobile is 6.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mobile — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Opelika — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mobile, AL
Opelika, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mobile | Opelika | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,426.5 | 3,184.5 | -758.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 752.0 | 560.3 | +191.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.5 | 8.7 | +7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 26.2 | 49.4 | -23.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.7 | 55.2 | -2.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 656.7 | 447.1 | +209.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,674.5 | 2,624.3 | -949.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.4 | 206.1 | +107.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,188.6 | 2,217.8 | -1,029.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.5 | 200.3 | -27.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mobile or Opelika safer?
Mobile is safer with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100K vs 3,185 for Opelika — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mobile has a violent crime rate of 752.0 per 100K while Opelika has 560.3. Opelika has lower violent crime.
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.
About Opelika, AL
Opelika, a historic railroad town in Lee County, sits near the fall line of the Appalachian foothills. It's home to the Museum of East Alabama, reflecting its deep Southern heritage. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 34,448, Opelika has a total crime rate of 3,184.5 per 100,000 residents.