Moving to Birmingham, AL: Everything You Should Know First
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
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
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
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

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
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

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

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
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
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
908 Bankhead Hwy W, Birmingham, AL 35201
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
Website: