Mobile, AL
Population 185,097 · Alabama
About Mobile, AL
Mobile is a major city located in Alabama with a population of 185,097 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,090 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mobile features a median home value of $170,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mobile in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,029, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 90,744 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (39,849 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (37,738 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mobile shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mobile have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.5% of Mobile residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Mobile experiences an annual average temperature of 70.1°F with 51.97" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 97°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 48°F (December–January).
How Mobile Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Mobile, AL
Compared to national averages, Mobile has a median household income of $51,090 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $170,300, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,029 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Mobile's income is 12% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 7% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Mobile, AL?
Mobile offers affordable housing with a median home value of $170,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,029/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,090) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Mobile provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Mobile has a population of 185,097 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Mobile with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Mobile
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | 198,440 | $55,687 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Birmingham | 199,322 | $44,376 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Huntsville | 218,814 | $70,778 | $263,100 | Compare |
| Tuscaloosa | 107,699 | $48,536 | $236,600 | Compare |
| Hoover | 92,401 | $107,822 | $391,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 78,738 | $56,123 | $342,400 | Compare |
| Dothan | 71,118 | $55,052 | $186,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 58,335 | $131,436 | $367,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Mobile
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 69 | 71 | 76 | 84 | 90 | 94 | 100 | 91 | 79 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 49 | 54 | 56 | 60 | 67 | 73 | 76 | 80 | 72 | 61 | 53 | 47 |
| Rain " | 8.5 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 6.4 | 5.8 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mobile With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile
What is the population of Mobile, AL?
The population of Mobile, AL is 185,097 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Mobile?
The median household income in Mobile, AL is $51,090 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mobile?
The median home value in Mobile, AL is $170,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mobile?
The median monthly rent in Mobile, AL is $1,029, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mobile?
The unemployment rate in Mobile, AL is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mobile, AL a good place to live?
Mobile offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 185,097 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mobile, AL?
31.5% of residents in Mobile aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Mobile?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mobile, AL: median home value is $170,300 (30% below national), median rent is $1,029/month, and median household income is $51,090. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mobile?
The poverty rate in Mobile, AL is 18.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Mobile, AL?
Mobile's population is 1.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 52.7% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.