Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marvel, AL
Considering a move to Marvel, AL? With a small-town population of about 1,200, Marvel offers affordable living—median home prices are just $148,000 and average rents are $825. Residents enjoy a mild Southern climate with 60% sunny days each year and easy access to local healthcare. Commute times average 26 minutes, crime rates are moderate for the region, and public schools serve the community, with nearby colleges for higher education. If you’re seeking friendly living and a lower cost of living in rural Alabama, Marvel has a lot to offer.
Demographics - Marvel, AL
Demographics - Marvel, AL
Marvel, AL is a small community of around 1,200 residents, with a median age of 42.1 years and a population density of 105 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with a modest representation of Black and other ethnic groups, and about 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and mature age profile contribute to a stable, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
1,200
Density:
105 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
11.0%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Marvel, AL?
Living in Marvel is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $148,000 and average rents at $825 per month. The cost of living index is 82.5, noticeably lower than the national average, making essentials like groceries, housing, and healthcare especially affordable. State income taxes are modest, ranging from 2% to 5%, further benefiting residents financially.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$142
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$362
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
62.3
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Marvel, AL a safe place to live?
Marvel experiences moderate crime rates compared to similar rural communities, with a violent crime rate of 316 per 100,000 and property crimes at 2,410 per 100,000 residents. While the chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 41, the town maintains a generally safe environment for families and individuals. Residents enjoy a small-town sense of security, though standard precautions are still recommended.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
316
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,410
Crime Index:
2,726
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 316
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Marvel, AL year-round?
Marvel offers a mild Southern climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 91°F and winters that rarely dip below 32°F. The area receives ample rainfall, about 55 inches annually, and enjoys 60% sunny days, making outdoor activities possible year-round. Seasonal changes are pleasant, with comfortable springs and falls.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Marvel residents typically have a household income around $48,200, with a poverty rate of 15.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and daily life is shaped by an average commute of 26 minutes. The community is largely English-speaking and has a friendly, neighborly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$58,600
Per Capita Income:
$23,700
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$28,600
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.7%
Education
How are the schools in Marvel, AL?
Marvel is served by public schools like Oakman High School, offering a supportive student-teacher ratio of 16.5, and there are no private schools in town. For higher education, Bevill State Community College is just 12 miles away, providing accessible opportunities for continuing education. The area’s educational resources are well-suited to families and lifelong learners alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Oakman High School
Street:
14250 Highway 69 S
Phone:
205-622-3361
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Colleges
Name:
Bevill State Community College
City:
Jasper
State:
AL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
The city is served by nearby facilities like Brookwood Baptist Health - Walker Baptist Medical Center, providing general and emergency care just a short drive away. With two physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people having health insurance, access to healthcare is reliable for most families. Marvel's healthcare index of 68.5 reflects generally good availability and affordability of services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Brookwood Baptist Health - Walker Baptist Medical Center
Address:
3400 Hwy 78 E, Jasper, AL 35501
Phone:
(205) 387-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Marvel, AL?
Marvel’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $148,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $825. Over three-quarters of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Home values are appreciating steadily, offering long-term stability for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services for Marvel residents are managed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, headquartered in Montgomery. The DMV provides essential licensing and vehicle registration services, with resources available both in person and online. Residents can access up-to-date information and forms via the official ALEA website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone:
(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.