Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Birmingham, AL
Considering a move to Birmingham, AL? With a population near 197,000, Birmingham offers affordable living—median homes at just $105,000 and rent around $1,020. Commute times are a quick 23 minutes on average, and the city enjoys mild winters, hot summers, and 56% sunny days. While crime rates are higher than average, Birmingham features strong healthcare networks, diverse educational options including UAB, and a cost of living well below the national average. Explore local amenities, housing, and schools to see if Birmingham is your next home.
Demographics - Birmingham, AL
Demographics - Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is home to nearly 197,000 residents, with a predominantly Black population at about 70% and a median age of 36.2 years. The city is relatively dense, and about 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a diverse community.
Population:
196,910
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
24.1%
Black:
69.8%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Birmingham, AL?
Living in Birmingham is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index significantly below the national average and median home values around $105,000. Utilities and groceries remain affordable, making the city an attractive option for those seeking lower monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.9
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
50.2
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
80.4
Health Care:
88.9
Miscellaneous:
90.7
Crime
Is Birmingham, AL a safe place to live?
Birmingham experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 66 chance of being a victim of violent crime and property crime rates also elevated. Prospective residents should research neighborhoods carefully to find areas that best suit their safety preferences.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,515
Property Crimes Per 100k:
6,313
Crime Index:
7,828
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 66
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 16
Weather
What is the weather like in Birmingham, AL year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with hot summers reaching up to 91°F and winters rarely dipping below 34°F. The city receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine more than half the year, making outdoor activities appealing for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The median household income in Birmingham is just under $43,000, and about one in four residents live below the poverty line. Commutes are manageable at around 23 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles due to limited public transportation usage.
Median Income:
$39,900
Household Income:
$42,700
Family Income:
$50,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,700
Poverty Rate:
24.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$1,020
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.3%
Bachelors or More:
25.5%
Education
How are the schools in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham offers a variety of educational opportunities, from well-rated public and private schools to higher education institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Samford University. The city is also home to a diverse student population and several specialized academic programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Ramsay High School
Street:
1800 13th Ave S
Phone:
205-231-7000
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Phillips Academy
Street:
2316 7th Ave N
Phone:
205-231-9500
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
The Altamont School
Street:
4801 Altamont Rd S
Phone:
205-445-1232
Students:
360
Colleges
Name:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Samford University
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Birmingham boasts robust healthcare options, including major facilities like UAB Hospital and St. Vincent’s, with a strong ratio of physicians per capita. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance, ensuring good access to medical services across the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UAB Hospital
Address:
1802 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone:
(205) 934-3411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Vincent's Birmingham
Address:
810 St Vincent's Dr, Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone:
(205) 939-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Birmingham, AL?
The housing market in Birmingham is notably affordable, with a median home price of $105,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,020. Homeownership rates are below half, while the area sees modest appreciation and a healthy supply of available rentals.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,020
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division serves Birmingham residents at a centrally located office, providing essential licensing and vehicle services. Information, appointments, and forms are accessible through the state's official DMV website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
908 Bankhead Hwy W, Birmingham, AL 35201
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.