Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Echola, AL
Considering a move to Echola, AL? This small rural community of about 1,100 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $128,000 and average rents around $690. Echola boasts a mild Southern climate with 61% sunny days and easy access to nearby Tuscaloosa for healthcare and higher education. Expect a relaxed pace, average commute times of 29 minutes, and strong homeownership rates, though educational attainment and incomes are below national averages. Discover Echola’s friendly vibe, reasonable costs, and peaceful countryside appeal.
Demographics - Echola, AL
Demographics - Echola, AL
Echola is a small rural town with a population of about 1,100 and a median age of 43, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The area is predominantly White (78.5%) with a significant Black population (19.1%), and the gender balance is nearly even. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of residents, highlighting the area’s traditional Southern roots.
Population:
1,100
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.5%
Black:
19.1%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Echola, AL?
Echola offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $128,000 and average rents at $690 per month. The overall cost of living index is 83.6, well below the U.S. average, making it an economical choice for families and retirees. Utilities, groceries, and transportation also remain budget-friendly for most households.
Median House Value:
$128,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,045
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
55.2
Utilities:
97.9
Transportation:
85.3
Health Care:
90.8
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Echola, AL a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Echola is moderate, with a violent crime chance of about 1 in 282 and property crime at 1 in 45. While these rates are higher than some rural areas, most residents report feeling safe in their neighborhoods. Staying aware and taking common-sense precautions can help ensure peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
355
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,220
Crime Index:
2,575
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Echola, AL year-round?
Echola enjoys a mild Southern climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters that rarely drop below 34°F. The area gets plenty of sunshine, with 61% sunny days annually, and experiences ample rainfall at about 57 inches per year. This climate supports a lush landscape and comfortable outdoor living for most of the year.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Local households in Echola typically see median incomes around $41,900, with a family income of $51,200, though the poverty rate stands at 19.2%. Commute times average nearly 29 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting a car-dependent lifestyle. Most adults have finished high school, but fewer have completed college, contributing to the area’s traditional, hardworking character.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$41,900
Family Income:
$51,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$36,100
Income Female:
$30,200
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.1%
Education
How are the schools in Echola, AL?
Echola is served by local public schools like Sipsey Valley High and Middle Schools, offering small class sizes and a supportive atmosphere. Higher education is accessible nearby at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, just 17 miles away. The area emphasizes community-focused education, though college completion rates remain lower than national averages.
Public Schools
Name:
Sipsey Valley High School
Street:
15815 Romulus Rd
Phone:
205-342-2850
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Sipsey Valley Middle School
Street:
15815 Romulus Rd
Phone:
205-342-2860
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.9
Colleges
Name:
University of Alabama
City:
Tuscaloosa
State:
AL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
38,300
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Echola is anchored by nearby facilities like DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, about 17 miles away. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87.2% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are met locally, although specialized care often requires travel. The healthcare index of 71.3 suggests services are available but may not match the breadth of larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
DCH Regional Medical Center
Address:
809 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone:
(205) 759-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Echola, AL?
The Echola housing market is attractive for homebuyers, with a median price of $128,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 71.8%. Rent for a typical two-bedroom averages $690, and home values have appreciated modestly over the past year. Low new construction and foreclosure rates contribute to a stable, affordable market ideal for settling down.
Median Home Price:
$128,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Echola are served by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, located in Montgomery. The DMV provides essential driver and vehicle services, with information and forms conveniently available online. For most routine licensing needs, residents can find resources through the state’s official website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Driver License Division
Address:
301 S. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
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.