Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Anniston, AL
Considering a move to Anniston, AL? With a population of just over 21,500, Anniston offers affordable living—median home prices are $103,000 and average rents hover around $785. The city features a short average commute of 19 minutes, a mild Southern climate with nearly 60% sunny days, and access to local hospitals and colleges. While the cost of living is low, crime rates are higher than average, so exploring neighborhoods is recommended. Anniston's small-town feel, reasonable housing, and proximity to outdoor recreation make it a good fit for those seeking affordability and community.
Demographics - Anniston, AL
Demographics - Anniston, AL
Anniston has a population of just over 21,500, with a median age of 41.9, and a majority Black and White community. The city is moderately dense, and about 3.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a largely English-speaking and diverse population.
Population:
21,564
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.9
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.1%
Black:
51.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Anniston, AL?
Anniston offers a notably low cost of living, with a cost of living index of 76.2 and a median home value of $103,000. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and groceries, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$103,000
Gross Rent:
$785
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.2
Grocery:
94.7
Housing:
43.1
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
81.2
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Anniston, AL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Anniston are considerably higher than average, with a violent crime rate of 1,001 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 19 chance of experiencing property crime. Those moving to the area may want to carefully research neighborhoods to find the best fit for their needs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,001
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,420
Crime Index:
6,421
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Anniston, AL year-round?
Anniston enjoys a mild Southern climate, with winter lows around 34°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The city receives about 53 inches of rainfall annually and boasts nearly 60% sunny days, making outdoor activities accessible much of the year.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
55°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households in Anniston have a median income of $41,300, though the poverty rate is relatively high at 23.7%. Most residents commute about 19 minutes to work, and educational attainment shows nearly 85% have completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$38,800
Household Income:
$41,300
Family Income:
$50,100
Per Capita Income:
$22,500
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
23.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$785
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.9%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in Anniston, AL?
Anniston features both public and private school options, with student-teacher ratios around 16 to 17. The city is home to Gadsden State Community College and is just a short drive to Jacksonville State University, offering higher education opportunities nearby.
Public Schools
Name:
Anniston High School
Street:
1301 Woodstock Ave
Phone:
256-231-5010
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Randolph Park Elementary School
Street:
2200 W 17th St
Phone:
256-231-5070
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School
Street:
16 Morton Rd
Phone:
256-237-5921
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Jacksonville State University (JSU)
City:
Jacksonville
State:
AL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
9,600
Name:
Gadsden State Community College
City:
Anniston
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Anniston is served by major hospitals like Regional Medical Center and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area provides good access to healthcare, with 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people covered by health insurance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Regional Medical Center
Address:
400 E 10th St, Anniston, AL 36207
Phone:
(256) 235-5121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Stringfellow Memorial Hospital
Address:
301 E 18th St, Anniston, AL 36207
Phone:
(256) 235-8900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Anniston, AL?
The housing market in Anniston is affordable, with a median home price of $103,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $785. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has experienced modest home appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$103,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$785
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Division on Quintard Ave. Residents can access driver licensing and registration services locally, with additional information available on the Alabama DMV website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Driver License Division
Address:
1901 B Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201
Phone:
(256) 240-8700
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.