Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Decatur, AL
Thinking of moving to Decatur, AL? With a population of nearly 58,000 and an affordable median home price of $168,000, Decatur offers a budget-friendly lifestyle and short average commutes of just 20 minutes. The city enjoys a mild climate with 58% sunny days and a strong sense of community. While crime rates are above national averages, many residents appreciate the low cost of living, local healthcare options, and access to both public and private schools. Explore Decatur’s housing, education, and amenities as you plan your next move!
Demographics - Decatur, AL
Demographics - Decatur, AL
Decatur, Alabama is home to nearly 58,000 residents, with a median age of 38.7 and a population density of 1,400 people per square mile. The city features a diverse community, where about 65% identify as White, 22% as Black, and nearly 10% as Hispanic, and roughly 1 in 10 residents primarily speak a language other than English at home. This blend of backgrounds adds vibrancy to the city’s culture and daily life.
Population:
57,938
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
64.7%
Black:
21.8%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Decatur, AL?
Decatur offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $168,000 and average rent around $850 per month. The city’s cost of living index is 81.2, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals. Utility and grocery costs are moderate, and state tax rates remain relatively low.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
56.1
Utilities:
96.2
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Decatur, AL a safe place to live?
While Decatur provides many appealing amenities, crime rates are above the national average, with about 436 violent crimes and 3,009 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents face a 1 in 229 chance of experiencing violent crime and 1 in 33 for property-related offenses. It is important for newcomers to consider neighborhood safety when choosing a place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
436
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,009
Crime Index:
3,445
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 229
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Decatur, AL year-round?
Decatur enjoys a mild, four-season climate with winter lows averaging 32°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The city receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 58% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible most months. These conditions create a comfortable environment for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The typical household in Decatur earns around $56,484 annually, with a per capita income of $30,200 and a poverty rate of 15.2%. Most residents enjoy a short average commute of about 20 minutes, and nearly 86% have at least a high school diploma. The community is friendly and diverse, with a low unemployment rate and a strong sense of local pride.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$56,484
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Decatur, AL?
Families in Decatur benefit from a variety of educational options, including well-regarded public schools such as Decatur High School and Austin Junior High. Private schools and higher education institutions like Calhoun Community College are also nearby, supporting lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. With a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1 in public schools and over 22% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, education is a community priority.
Public Schools
Name:
Decatur High School
Street:
910 Somerville Rd SE
Phone:
256-552-3011
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Name:
Austin Junior High School
Street:
1210 Wimberly Dr SW
Phone:
256-552-4621
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Private Schools
Name:
Decatur Heritage Christian Academy
Street:
3802 Spring Ave SW
Phone:
256-351-4277
Students:
480
Colleges
Name:
Calhoun Community College
City:
Decatur
State:
AL
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
Athens State University
City:
Athens
State:
AL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through facilities like Decatur Morgan Hospital and nearby Huntsville Hospital, both offering emergency services. With approximately 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate of 90%, Decatur supports the health and well-being of its community. The city’s healthcare index of 67.8 reflects a solid range of services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Decatur Morgan Hospital
Address:
1201 7th St SE, Decatur, AL 35601
Phone:
(256) 341-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Huntsville Hospital (Nearby)
Address:
101 Sivley Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone:
(256) 265-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Decatur, AL?
Decatur’s housing market is both accessible and stable, featuring a median home price of $168,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $850. Nearly two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain moderate, suggesting a healthy balance between buyers and renters. The city has experienced modest home appreciation, making it appealing for both first-time buyers and long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Decatur residents can access driver's license and vehicle services at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division located on Lee Street NE. The local DMV provides a full range of services, with convenient hours and an accessible website for scheduling and information. This ensures that residents have straightforward access to essential licensing and registration needs.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Phone:
256-351-4665
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.