Alabama / Morgan County

Moving to Decatur, AL

Thinking of making a move to Decatur, 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 Decatur, AL

Considering a move to Decatur, AL? This welcoming community of 57,938 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $168,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 20 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 Decatur's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Decatur, AL

Decatur has a population of 57,938 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 65% White, 22% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Decatur is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 81.2. Median home values are around $168,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Decatur is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 436 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 33. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 90°F and cold winters dipping to 32°F. The area receives about 54 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
32°F
Max
51°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
90°F

Spring

Min
49°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,484 and a low poverty rate of 15.2%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Decatur offers quality education options, with public schools like Decatur High School and Austin Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Calhoun Community College and Athens State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Decatur residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Decatur Morgan Hospital and Huntsville Hospital (Nearby) nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 90.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $168,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 66%. The market has seen a 4.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Decatur offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Decatur handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located in Decatur. 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
302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Phone
256-351-4665

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 Decatur, AL

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

Before moving to Decatur, review the core fields on this page: population 57,938, median home value $168,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 20.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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