Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mobile, AL
Thinking of moving to Mobile, AL? With a population of nearly 185,000, Mobile offers affordable living—median home prices are around $142,000 and average rents are about $990. Residents enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and more than 60% sunny days a year. The average commute is a manageable 22 minutes, and several notable colleges and hospitals serve the city. While crime rates are above the national average, Mobile stands out for its Southern hospitality, diverse culture, and historic waterfront location.
Demographics - Mobile, AL
Demographics - Mobile, AL
Mobile is home to nearly 185,000 residents, with a diverse population where about half identify as Black and just over a third as White. The median age is 37, providing a balanced mix of young professionals and families, and the city features a moderate population density. Around 5% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a touch of multicultural influence.
Population:
184,952
Density:
1,420 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
38.3%
Black:
51.1%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mobile, AL?
Mobile boasts a cost of living index of 82.1, making it an affordable option compared to national averages. Median home values are around $142,000 and average rent is $990, while utility and grocery costs are also relatively low. Residents benefit from moderate state income taxes and overall accessible living expenses.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$990
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
53.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
91.4
Crime
Is Mobile, AL a safe place to live?
Mobile has higher crime rates than many U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate of 676 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 3,445 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 29, while the risk for violent crime is 1 in 148. Prospective residents should consider safety when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
676
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,445
Crime Index:
4,121
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 148
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Mobile, AL year-round?
Mobile enjoys a mild subtropical climate with winter lows averaging 43°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. The city receives over 66 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunny weather 61% of the year. This climate supports lush landscapes and a long outdoor season.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
66.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Typical households in Mobile earn about $49,800, with a median income of $31,000 and a poverty rate of 20%. Most residents have completed high school, and just over a quarter hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commutes average 22 minutes, and public transportation use is limited.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$49,800
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$31,700
Poverty Rate:
20.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$990
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
25.7%
Education
How are the schools in Mobile, AL?
Mobile offers a variety of educational opportunities, including public schools like Murphy High School and Phillips Preparatory, as well as private options such as UMS-Wright Preparatory School. The city is also home to higher education institutions like the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College. These resources make Mobile a supportive environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Murphy High School
Street:
100 S Carlen St
Phone:
251-221-3186
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.7
Name:
Phillips Preparatory Middle School
Street:
3255 Old Shell Rd
Phone:
251-221-2286
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.0
Private Schools
Name:
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
Street:
65 N Mobile St
Phone:
251-479-6551
Students:
1,150
Colleges
Name:
University of South Alabama
City:
Mobile
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,400
Name:
Spring Hill College
City:
Mobile
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Mobile offers solid healthcare access, with major hospitals like USA Health University Hospital and Mobile Infirmary Medical Center providing comprehensive services. There are 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and roughly 88% have health insurance coverage. The city's healthcare index suggests generally accessible medical care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
USA Health University Hospital
Address:
2451 Fillingim St, Mobile, AL 36617
Phone:
(251) 471-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mobile Infirmary Medical Center
Address:
5 Mobile Infirmary Cir, Mobile, AL 36607
Phone:
(251) 435-2400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mobile, AL?
The housing market in Mobile is notably affordable, with a median home price of $142,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $990. Over half of residents own their homes, and vacancy rates are relatively high at 10.2%. Home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year, indicating steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$990
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver's license and vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's office on Demetropolis Road. The local DMV provides essential licensing, registration, and state ID services for Mobile citizens. More information and appointment options are available on the agency’s official website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Driver License Division
Address:
3400 Demetropolis Rd, Mobile, AL 36693
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.