Alabama / Jefferson County

Moving to Bessemer, AL

Thinking of making a move to Bessemer, AL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bessemer, AL

Considering a move to Bessemer, AL? This welcoming community of 26,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Bessemer's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Bessemer, AL

Bessemer has a population of 26,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 21% White, 73% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
26,500
Density
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age
39.1
Gender Ratio
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
20.5%
Black
73.0%
Asian
0.6%
Others
5.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bessemer, AL?

The cost of living in Bessemer is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 83.4. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$160
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
83.4
Grocery
95.8
Housing
64.5
Utilities
100.7
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
96.3
Miscellaneous
90.4

Crime

Is Bessemer, AL a safe place to live?

Bessemer is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,020 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 24. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alabama.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,020
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,180
Crime Index
5,200
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 98
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 24

Weather

What is the weather like in Bessemer, AL year-round?

Bessemer experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
55°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
76°F

Fall

Min
54°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
54.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $44,800 and a low poverty rate of 23.5%. Over 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$28,500
Household Income
$44,800
Family Income
$52,600
Per Capita Income
$22,100
Income Male
$34,100
Income Female
$28,300
Poverty Rate
23.5%
Non English Speakers
4.9%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
28.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
84.1%
Bachelors or More
14.8%

Education

How are the schools in Bessemer, AL?

Bessemer offers quality education options, with public schools like Bessemer City High School and Bessemer City Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lawson State Community College and University of Alabama at Birmingham. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Bessemer City High School
Street
1000 9th Ave SW
Phone
205-432-3400
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1
Name
Bessemer City Middle School
Street
420 8th Ave SW
Phone
205-432-3700
Students
720
Student Teacher Ratio
17.3

Private Schools

Name
Bessemer Academy
Street
670 Academy Dr
Phone
205-426-2201
Students
360

Colleges

Name
Lawson State Community College
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Distance
9 miles
Students
4,000
Name
University of Alabama at Birmingham
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Distance
13 miles
Students
22,000

Healthcare

Bessemer residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Birmingham VA Health Care System and Princeton Baptist Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 88.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Birmingham VA Health Care System
Address
700 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone
(205) 933-8101
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Address
701 Princeton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone
(205) 923-3101
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
88.1%
Health Care Index
61.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bessemer, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.4%. Bessemer offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
1.1%

DMV Information

Residents of Bessemer handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located in Montgomery. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alabama
Department
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address
3340 Perimeter Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36116
Phone
1-334-517-2750

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.

FAQs About Moving to Bessemer, AL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Bessemer, review the core fields on this page: population 26,500, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 28.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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