Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Huntsville, AL
Thinking of moving to Huntsville, AL? With a population of around 222,000, Huntsville offers affordable living—median homes cost $279,000 and average rents are about $1,110. Residents enjoy short 20-minute commutes, a robust job market, and a highly educated community with 44% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Huntsville’s mild climate, thriving tech sector, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces make it a standout choice for families, professionals, and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Huntsville, AL
Demographics - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is home to approximately 222,000 residents with a median age of 36.6, offering a balanced mix of young professionals and families. The city features a diverse community, with nearly 59% White, 29% Black, and over 10% non-English speakers, reflecting a welcoming and multicultural environment.
Population:
221,933
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
58.6%
Black:
29.2%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
9.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville is known for its affordability, with a median home value of $279,000 and average rents around $1,110. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality amenities and lower expenses.
Median House Value:
$279,000
Gross Rent:
$1,110
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.2
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
72.3
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
89.8
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Huntsville, AL a safe place to live?
The city's crime rate includes around 521 violent crimes and 3,091 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which means the risk of property crime is about 1 in 32. Prospective residents should be aware of these figures when considering neighborhoods but will find the overall safety in line with other similarly sized U.S. cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
521
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,091
Crime Index:
3,612
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Huntsville, AL year-round?
Huntsville enjoys a mild climate with winter lows averaging 31°F and summer highs reaching 89°F, along with 56% sunny days throughout the year. Ample rainfall supports lush scenery, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Local households earn a median income of $65,400, and nearly 93% of adults have at least a high school diploma. Low unemployment and a quick average commute of about 20 minutes contribute to a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,100
Household Income:
$65,400
Family Income:
$81,700
Per Capita Income:
$37,900
Income Male:
$52,300
Income Female:
$42,100
Poverty Rate:
14.0%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,110
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
19.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
44.0%
Education
How are the schools in Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville boasts strong educational options, featuring well-rated public and private schools, and higher education institutions like the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University. With 44% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the city emphasizes academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Huntsville High School
Street:
2304 Billie Watkins St SW
Phone:
256-428-8050
Students:
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Mountain Gap Middle School
Street:
821 Mountain Gap Rd SE
Phone:
256-428-7720
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Randolph School
Street:
4915 Garth Rd SE
Phone:
256-799-6100
Students:
950
Colleges
Name:
University of Alabama in Huntsville
City:
Huntsville
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Alabama A&M University
City:
Normal (Huntsville)
State:
AL
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
6,100
Healthcare
Residents have access to high-quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center, and a strong physician presence at 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 91.5%, offering peace of mind for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Huntsville Hospital
Address:
101 Sivley Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone:
(256) 265-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Crestwood Medical Center
Address:
1 Hospital Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone:
(256) 429-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Huntsville, AL?
The housing market in Huntsville is stable, with a median home price of $279,000 and a homeownership rate of 57.2%. Steady appreciation rates and a good mix of new construction and rental options make it attractive for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$279,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,110
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Huntsville residents are served by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Division located on Church Street. The local DMV office offers essential services such as licensing and registration, making vehicle-related tasks straightforward for newcomers.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Driver License Division
Address:
1115-A Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone:
(256) 539-0681
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.