Is Theodore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Theodore
Theodore, Alabama, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and suburban convenience, situated within the Mobile metropolitan area. This community provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, characterized by a temperate climate and a connection to the natural surroundings of the Gulf Coast region.
Understanding the various facets of life in Theodore is essential for anyone considering a move. From the local job market to the cost of living and the overall safety of neighborhoods, prospective residents can find valuable insights to inform their decision. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at Theodore, Alabama, covering key aspects that define this community.
Is it Safe to Live in Theodore?
Theodore, AL, presents a mixed safety profile. The overall crime rate is 14% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 5% lower than the national average (according to Area Vibes). However, property crime rates are 16% higher than the national average (according to Area Vibes).
Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Theodore varies by neighborhood. In the north parts of Theodore, the chance of being a victim of crime is about 1 in 20, while in the southwest, it is closer to 1 in 55 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The southwest part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Crime Statistics Overview
The crime rate in Theodore is 27.31 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered slightly higher than the average U.S. city, with Theodore ranking in the 41st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 41% of cities but less safe than 59% (according to CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate is 3.888 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Property crime, which includes larceny, burglary, arson, and motor vehicle theft, has a rate of 10 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout). This indicates an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to other communities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety Variations
Safety can differ significantly depending on the specific neighborhood within Theodore. Residents generally consider the southern and southwestern parts of the city to be the safest areas (according to CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, the northern neighborhoods may experience a higher incidence of crime, with a chance of being a victim of crime as high as 1 in 20 in these areas (according to NeighborhoodScout).
When examining total crime counts, the northwest sections of Theodore report the most incidents, approximately 125 per year (according to NeighborhoodScout). In contrast, the eastern part of the city has the fewest, with around 10 crimes annually (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Pros and Cons of Living in Theodore
Theodore, Alabama, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for some. Housing expenses are notably lower, contributing to overall affordability. However, potential residents should also consider factors like job availability and community amenities.
The climate in Theodore is characterized by warm summers and mild winters, typical of the Gulf Coast region. While this can be appealing, the area also experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with July being the wettest month.
Affordability and Cost of Living
Theodore’s cost of living is 12% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly advantageous, being 33% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home value in Theodore is approximately $152,073 (according to Livability.com), and the median listing price for homes is around $220,000 (according to Realtor.com).
For renters, the median gross rent is about $1,244 per month (according to Point2Homes), with the average rent for an apartment being $1,500 per month (according to Zillow). The median household income in Theodore is reported at $67,864 (according to World Population Review), with an average salary for jobs in Theodore being $63,706 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
Climate and Environment
Theodore experiences a humid subtropical climate, with average annual temperatures ranging from 40°F to 91°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Summers are long, hot, and oppressive, with daily high temperatures averaging around 87°F and rarely dropping below 80°F (according to The Weather Network). July is the hottest month, with average highs of 88°F and lows of 75°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Winters are short and mild, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January sees the lowest temperatures, with an average high of 61°F and a low of 40°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The area receives substantial rainfall, with an average of 66 inches annually (according to Livability.com), and July typically sees the most precipitation, around 5.9 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).
Demographics and Population
Theodore, Alabama, is a community with a diverse population, a median age of around 43 years, and a population that has seen a slight decrease in recent years. The demographic makeup includes a significant portion of White residents, followed by Black or African American residents, and smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.
The population distribution shows a notable segment of adults in the middle-age brackets, with smaller proportions of younger children and older adults. This age composition can influence the community’s overall lifestyle and the demand for various services.
Population Trends and Age Distribution
Theodore has a population of approximately 4,964 people as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The population has been declining, with a decrease of -22.54% since the 2020 census (according to World Population Review). The median age in Theodore is 43.1 years (according to World Population Review), with males having a median age of 39.6 and females 47.1 (according to World Population Review).
Regarding age distribution, about 15.8% of the population are children under 15, and 6.8% are between 15 and 24. Adults aged 25 to 44 make up 31.4%, while 33.6% are between 45 and 64. Those aged 65 and older constitute about 12.4% of the population (according to Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Theodore includes approximately 62.41% White individuals, 19.54% Black or African American, and 5.98% Asian (according to World Population Review). Additionally, about 4.01% identify with other races, and smaller percentages are Native American or multiracial (according to World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 3.28% of the population (according to Data USA).
Citizenship in Theodore is high, with 99% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). Approximately 93.4% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, with 5.6% being naturalized citizens, and 1% are non-citizens (according to Point2Homes).
Job Market and Major Employers
Theodore, Alabama, has a growing employment sector, with the most common industries for residents being construction, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance. The job market has seen an increase in employment in recent years, indicating a developing economic landscape.
Several key companies operate within or near Theodore, contributing to the local economy and job opportunities. These include major retail and logistics companies, as well as manufacturing and chemical industries, providing a range of employment options for the community.
Employment Sectors and Growth
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Theodore grew by 5.74%, increasing the number of employed residents from 2.39k to 2.53k (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Theodore residents are Construction (419 people), Retail Trade (381 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (251 people) (according to Data USA).
The most common job groups include Sales & Related Occupations (431 people), Management Occupations (253 people), and Construction & Extraction Occupations (235 people) (according to Data USA). This indicates a diverse job market with opportunities in both service and industrial sectors.
Key Companies and Industries
Major employers in and around Theodore include well-known companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, Dollar General, and Amazon.com (according to Indeed.com). In the manufacturing sector, companies like INEOS Americas, LLC, a specialty chemical manufacturer, and Chart Industries, which produces cryogenic and gas processing equipment, are significant players (according to Zippia, Indeed.com).
Other notable companies include Evonik, Worthington Enterprises, and Praxair, contributing to Theodore’s industrial and manufacturing base (according to Indeed.com). These companies provide a substantial number of jobs and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
Education and School Ratings
Theodore, Alabama, is served by a number of public schools, with varying performance levels in terms of test scores and rankings. The majority of students in Theodore attend public schools, which represent a significant portion of the educational landscape in the community.
While some schools show potential, the overall proficiency scores in math and reading for Theodore’s public schools are below the state averages. Theodore High School, in particular, is ranked within the bottom 50% of schools in Alabama based on combined proficiency data.
Public School Performance
Theodore, AL, public schools have an average math proficiency score of 13% and a reading proficiency score of 31% (according to Public School Review). These scores are below the Alabama public school averages of 30% for math and 47% for reading (according to Public School Review). The schools in Theodore have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools (according to Public School Review).
Theodore High School, serving grades 9-12, has a math proficiency of 11% and a reading proficiency of 17% (according to Public School Review). The school’s overall testing rank is in the bottom 50% of Alabama schools (according to Public School Review).
School District and Student Body
Theodore is part of the Mobile County Public School System. There are four public schools serving approximately 2,934 students, along with one private school serving 216 students (according to Public School Review). Minority enrollment in Theodore’s public schools is 55%, which is higher than the Alabama public school average of 49% (according to Public School Review).
The top-ranked public schools in Theodore include Mary W Burroughs Elementary School, Nan Gray Davis Elementary School, and Katherine H Hankins Middle School (according to Public School Review). Despite overall lower test scores, these elementary and middle schools are noted for their efforts within the community’s educational system.