Alabama / County

Moving to Fort Payne, AL

Thinking of making a move to Fort Payne, 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 Fort Payne, AL

Considering a move to Fort Payne, AL? This welcoming community of 14,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $180,000 and average rents near $860. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Fort Payne's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Fort Payne, AL

Fort Payne has a population of 14,600 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 82% White, 5% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
14,600
Density
560 per sq mi
Median Age
39.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
82.0%
Black
5.2%
Asian
0.8%
Others
12.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Fort Payne, AL?

The cost of living in Fort Payne is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $180,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $830. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$180,000
Gross Rent
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$460
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
93.5
Housing
62.8
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
91.0
Health Care
95.4
Miscellaneous
88.7

Crime

Is Fort Payne, AL a safe place to live?

Fort Payne is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 320 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. 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
320
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,950
Crime Index
2,270
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 51

Weather

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

Fort Payne experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 31°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
31°F
Max
51°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
73°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
56.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $48,800 and a low poverty rate of 18.6%. Over 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$30,500
Household Income
$48,800
Family Income
$61,200
Per Capita Income
$24,800
Income Male
$40,200
Income Female
$30,100
Poverty Rate
18.6%
Non English Speakers
7.4%
Rent
$830
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.6%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
83.5%
Bachelors or More
14.8%

Education

How are the schools in Fort Payne, AL?

Fort Payne offers quality education options, with public schools like Fort Payne High School and Fort Payne Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Northeast Alabama Community College and Jacksonville State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Fort Payne High School
Street
201 45th St NE
Phone
256-845-0500
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Fort Payne Middle School
Street
510 6th St NE
Phone
256-845-0535
Students
670
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6

Private Schools

Name
Rainsville Christian Academy
Street
1420 McCurdy Ave N
Phone
256-638-5448
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Northeast Alabama Community College
City
Rainsville
State
AL
Distance
12 miles
Students
2,300
Name
Jacksonville State University
City
Jacksonville
State
AL
Distance
52 miles
Students
9,400

Healthcare

Fort Payne residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like DeKalb Regional Medical Center and Highlands Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 84.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
DeKalb Regional Medical Center
Address
200 Medical Center Dr SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone
(256) 845-3150
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Highlands Medical Center
Address
380 Woods Cove Rd, Scottsboro, AL 35768
Phone
(256) 259-4444
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
84.8%
Health Care Index
61.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Fort Payne, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $180,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Fort Payne offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$860
Owner Occupied Rate
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Fort Payne 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
P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471
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 Fort Payne, AL

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

Before moving to Fort Payne, review the core fields on this page: population 14,600, median home value $180,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $860, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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