Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gardendale, AL
Thinking about moving to Gardendale, AL? With a population of just over 16,000, Gardendale offers affordable living—median home prices are about $258,000 and average rents are $1,130. Residents enjoy a friendly, suburban community with low cost of living, short average commutes of 26.5 minutes, and highly-rated public schools. The area experiences mild winters and warm summers, and boasts a high rate of home ownership. Explore local amenities, education, and healthcare options to see if Gardendale is the right fit for you!
Demographics - Gardendale, AL
Demographics - Gardendale, AL
Gardendale is home to around 16,000 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a predominantly White population. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and welcoming suburban community.
Population:
16,044
Density:
1,020 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.7%
Black:
7.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gardendale, AL?
Gardendale offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $258,000 and average rents at $1,130. Affordable housing and reasonable utility costs make it an attractive option for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$258,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.2
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
70.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
90.5
Health Care:
93.1
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Gardendale, AL a safe place to live?
Residents benefit from relatively low violent crime rates, with only 193 incidents per 100,000 people, though property crime is more common. Gardendale remains a safe choice for families seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
193
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,118
Crime Index:
2,311
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 518
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Gardendale, AL year-round?
Gardendale enjoys mild winters in the mid-30s to mid-50s and warm summers reaching up to 90°F, with around 58% sunny days each year. Ample rainfall keeps the area lush and green, supporting outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Local households enjoy a median income of $76,210 and a low poverty rate of 7.2%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 94% holding at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 27 minutes.
Median Income:
$37,800
Household Income:
$76,210
Family Income:
$92,100
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$52,100
Income Female:
$41,900
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.4%
Bachelors or More:
34.7%
Education
How are the schools in Gardendale, AL?
Gardendale offers strong educational options, including well-rated public schools and nearby colleges like Jefferson State Community College and UAB. Families appreciate the variety of educational choices for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Gardendale High School
Street:
800 Main St
Phone:
205-379-3600
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Bragg Middle School
Street:
840 Ash Ave
Phone:
205-379-3230
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.6
Name:
Gardendale Elementary School
Street:
860 Bauers Ln
Phone:
205-379-3600
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.9

Private Schools
Name:
Tabernacle Christian School
Street:
2649 Decatur Hwy
Phone:
205-631-9318
Students:
340

Colleges
Name:
Jefferson State Community College
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including a local emergency room and major hospitals nearby. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 92% insured, healthcare needs are well-supported in Gardendale.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Gardendale Freestanding ER (UAB Medicine)
Address:
960 Mount Olive Rd, Gardendale, AL 35071
Phone:
(205) 631-3799
Type:
Emergency Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension St. Vincent’s North
Address:
927 3rd Ave NW, Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone:
(205) 838-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gardendale, AL?
Gardendale’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $258,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 79%. Home values have appreciated steadily, making the city appealing for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$258,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration are conveniently managed at the local Alabama Law Enforcement Agency office located on Bankhead Hwy in Gardendale. Residents can access state DMV services both in person and online.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Driver License
Address:
908 Bankhead Hwy, Gardendale, AL 35071
Phone:
(205) 631-8787
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.