Is Mobile or Tuscaloosa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mobile is safer than Tuscaloosa (Safety Score 30/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100,000 versus 3,285 for Tuscaloosa — 26% lower. Mobile has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Mobile has a 39% lower rate.
Note: Mobile is 2.1x 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
Tuscaloosa — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mobile, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mobile | Tuscaloosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,426.5 | 3,284.6 | -858.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 752.0 | 553.4 | +198.6 |
| Murder Rate | 16.5 | 15.8 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 26.2 | 17.6 | +8.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.7 | 59.7 | -7.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 656.7 | 460.3 | +196.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,674.5 | 2,731.2 | -1,056.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.4 | 318.9 | -5.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,188.6 | 2,159.3 | -970.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.5 | 253.0 | -80.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mobile or Tuscaloosa safer?
Mobile is safer with a total crime rate of 2,426 per 100K vs 3,285 for Tuscaloosa — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mobile has a violent crime rate of 752.0 per 100K while Tuscaloosa has 553.4. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa, home to the University of Alabama, sits on the Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama. Its population is approximately 100,000, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 113,834, Tuscaloosa has a total crime rate of 3,284.6 per 100,000 residents.