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 196,910 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $1,120. 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 (57% 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 196,910 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 25% White, 70% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
196,910
Density
1,430 per sq mi
Median Age
35.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
24.5%
Black
69.5%
Asian
1.8%
Others
4.2%

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 88.4. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
88.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
72.5
Utilities
102.8
Transportation
93.6
Health Care
90.7
Miscellaneous
89.9

Crime

Is Birmingham, AL a safe place to live?

Birmingham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,280 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 20. 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
1,280
Property Crimes Per 100k
5,020
Crime Index
6,300
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 78
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 20

Weather

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

Birmingham 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 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
55°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
54°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
53.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $60,900 and a low poverty rate of 21.5%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$60,900
Family Income
$74,800
Per Capita Income
$31,200
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$38,500
Poverty Rate
21.5%
Non English Speakers
5.9%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
29.4%

Education

How are the schools in Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham offers quality education options, with public schools like Ramsay High School, A.H. Parker High School, and Jackson-Olin 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
Ramsay High School
Street
2800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd
Phone
205-231-7000
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
A.H. Parker High School
Street
300 23rd Ave N
Phone
205-231-5000
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Jackson-Olin High School
Street
1300 81st St SW
Phone
205-231-5000
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
Birmingham-Southern College Academy
Street
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Phone
205-226-4900
Students
320
Name
St. Francis Xavier School
Street
212 59th St S
Phone
205-592-3904
Students
280

Colleges

Name
University of Alabama at Birmingham
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Distance
0 miles
Students
22,000
Name
Samford University
City
Homewood
State
AL
Distance
5 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, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, and Grandview Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 89.3% 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) 934-4011
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Address
701 Princeton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone
(205) 783-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Grandview Medical Center
Address
3690 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone
(205) 971-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
89.3%
Health Care Index
72.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Birmingham, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Birmingham offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Birmingham handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located in Tuscaloosa. 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
2645 Skyland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
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 196,910, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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