Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gadsden, AL
Considering a move to Gadsden, AL? With a population of 33,000, Gadsden offers affordable living—median home prices are just $111,000 and average rents are around $830. Commute times are short at 21.5 minutes, and residents enjoy a mild climate with 58% sunny days annually. While crime rates are above the national average, the city features two major hospitals and accessible education options, including Gadsden State Community College. Explore cost-effective housing and a relaxed pace of life in this historic Alabama city.
Demographics - Gadsden, AL
Demographics - Gadsden, AL
Gadsden is home to about 33,000 residents, with a median age of 40.2 and a diverse community that is predominantly White and Black. The population density is moderate at 1,100 people per square mile, and a small portion—4.5%—speak a language other than English at home. The city has a slightly higher female population and offers a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
33,000
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.5%
Black:
32.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden features a very affordable cost of living, with median home values at $111,000 and average rents around $830. Utilities and groceries are also below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. State income tax rates are moderate, and overall living expenses are about 21% lower than the U.S. average.
Median House Value:
$111,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
92.2
Housing:
58.3
Utilities:
94.7
Transportation:
85.5
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
95.6
Crime
Is Gadsden, AL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Gadsden are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 136 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 24 chance of property crime. While the community is active and welcoming, prospective residents should be aware of these statistics and consider local neighborhoods carefully. Staying informed and taking standard safety precautions is advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
736
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,139
Crime Index:
4,875
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 136
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Gadsden, AL year-round?
Gadsden experiences a mild climate, with winter temperatures averaging between 33°F and 54°F and summer highs reaching around 90°F. The city enjoys 58% sunny days annually and receives about 54 inches of rainfall each year, making for a pleasant and temperate environment. Residents can expect comfortable springs and falls, with warm, humid summers.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Typical households in Gadsden earn a median income of $36,500, with a poverty rate of 25%. Commute times are short, averaging 21.5 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, contributing to a tight-knit, hardworking community.
Median Income:
$35,800
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$47,600
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$34,900
Income Female:
$27,200
Poverty Rate:
25.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.0%
Education
How are the schools in Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden offers a variety of educational opportunities, including public schools like Gadsden City High School and Oscar Adams Elementary, as well as private options such as Coosa Christian School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Gadsden State Community College located in the city and Jacksonville State University just 32 miles away. The area provides supportive learning environments for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Gadsden City High School
Street:
1917 Black Creek Parkway
Phone:
256-543-3614
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Oscar Adams Elementary School
Street:
1420 West Meighan Blvd
Phone:
256-546-8044
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Coosa Christian School
Street:
2736 Wills Creek Rd
Phone:
256-547-1841
Students:
340
Colleges
Name:
Gadsden State Community College
City:
Gadsden
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
Jacksonville State University
City:
Jacksonville
State:
AL
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
9,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Gadsden is supported by two major hospitals, including Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The city has an above-average physician density of 2.4 per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of the population has health insurance coverage. Access to medical care is reliable for families and individuals moving to the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gadsden Regional Medical Center
Address:
1007 Goodyear Ave, Gadsden, AL 35903
Phone:
(256) 494-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Riverview Regional Medical Center
Address:
600 South 3rd Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone:
(256) 543-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden's housing market is notably affordable, with a median home price of $111,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $830. Over half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen modest appreciation in recent years. Rental vacancies are higher than average, offering flexibility for newcomers seeking housing.
Median Home Price:
$111,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Gadsden residents can access driver services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Division located at 1024 Forrest Ave. The office provides a full range of DMV services, and more information is available on the state website. This ensures convenient licensing and registration for new arrivals.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
1024 Forrest Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone:
(256) 549-4578
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.