Alabama / Jefferson County

Moving to Birmingham, AL

Thinking of making a move to Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, AL

Considering a move to Birmingham, AL? This welcoming community of 200,733 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $180,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 25 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 Birmingham's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Birmingham, AL

Birmingham has a population of 200,733 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 24% White, 70% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
200,733
Density
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age
35.9
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
24.0%
Black
69.5%
Asian
2.0%
Others
4.5%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Birmingham is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.5. Median home values are around $180,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$180,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
86.5
Grocery
94.0
Housing
71.0
Utilities
99.5
Transportation
88.0
Health Care
92.0
Miscellaneous
90.5

Crime

Is Birmingham, AL a safe place to live?

Birmingham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,450 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
1,450
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,100
Crime Index
5,550
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 69
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 24

Weather

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

Birmingham experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 90°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 53 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
54°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
90°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
76°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
53.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,800 and a low poverty rate of 22.5%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$32,500
Household Income
$51,800
Family Income
$64,000
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$40,200
Income Female
$32,100
Poverty Rate
22.5%
Non English Speakers
8.6%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.0%
Bachelors or More
28.0%

Education

How are the schools in Birmingham, AL?

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

Public Schools

Name
Jones Valley Middle School
Street
1600 Montclair Rd
Phone
205-231-6760
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Woodlawn High School
Street
5620 1st Ave N
Phone
205-231-5880
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
17.3

Private Schools

Name
John Carroll Catholic High School
Street
300 Lakeshore Pkwy
Phone
205-940-2400
Students
660
Name
Alabama School of Fine Arts
Street
1800 2nd Ave N
Phone
205-252-9241
Students
350

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
Name
Birmingham-Southern College
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Distance
4 miles
Students
1,100

Healthcare

Birmingham residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UAB Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 89.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UAB Hospital
Address
1802 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone
(205) 934-3411
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Address
810 St. Vincent's Dr, Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone
(205) 939-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
89.8%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Birmingham, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $180,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 3.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Birmingham offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
52.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.5%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Birmingham 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
301 S. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone
1-334-242-4400

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 Birmingham, AL

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

Before moving to Birmingham, review the core fields on this page: population 200,733, median home value $180,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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