Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Muscle Shoals, AL
Considering a move to Muscle Shoals, AL? This welcoming city of about 16,000 offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $202,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $950. Enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and 62% sunny days, plus a short average commute of 21 minutes. While violent crime is below the national average, property crime is somewhat higher, but the area boasts quality schools and convenient access to healthcare and higher education. Explore everything Muscle Shoals has to offer for your next chapter.
Demographics - Muscle Shoals, AL
Demographics - Muscle Shoals, AL
Muscle Shoals has a population of roughly 16,275 residents, with a median age of 40 years and a community that is predominantly White, followed by a notable Black population. The city offers a balanced gender ratio and a family-friendly atmosphere, with a small but present diversity in language and ethnicity.
Population:
16,275
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.0
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.5%
Black:
14.2%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Muscle Shoals, AL?
Living in Muscle Shoals is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $202,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rents and modest utility costs, making it an attractive choice for families or individuals seeking value.
Median House Value:
$202,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
65.5
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is Muscle Shoals, AL a safe place to live?
Muscle Shoals experiences a lower-than-average violent crime rate, with about 267 incidents per 100,000 people, though property crime occurs more frequently. Overall, residents enjoy a generally safe environment but should remain mindful of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
267
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,467
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 375
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Muscle Shoals, AL year-round?
The city enjoys mild winters with average lows in the mid-30s and warm summers reaching into the low 90s, complemented by 62% sunny days each year. Annual rainfall is moderate, making for a pleasant climate suited to outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in Muscle Shoals earn about $61,800 annually, with a poverty rate just over 13% and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. The area is commuter-friendly, with a short average commute of 21.5 minutes and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$61,800
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$31,100
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$34,800
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
24.9%
Education
How are the schools in Muscle Shoals, AL?
Muscle Shoals offers quality public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private education options. Higher education is also within reach, with Northwest-Shoals Community College in town and the University of North Alabama just a short drive away.
Public Schools
Name:
Muscle Shoals High School
Street:
1900 Avalon Ave
Phone:
256-389-2682
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Muscle Shoals Middle School
Street:
100 Trojan Dr
Phone:
256-389-2640
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Shoals Christian School
Street:
301 Heathrow Dr, Florence, AL
Phone:
256-767-7070
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Northwest-Shoals Community College
City:
Muscle Shoals
State:
AL
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
University of North Alabama
City:
Florence
State:
AL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
8,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Helen Keller Hospital and North Alabama Medical Center nearby. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, medical services are accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Helen Keller Hospital
Address:
1300 S Montgomery Ave, Sheffield, AL 35660
Phone:
(256) 386-4196
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
North Alabama Medical Center
Address:
1701 Veterans Dr, Florence, AL 35630
Phone:
(256) 629-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Muscle Shoals, AL?
The housing market in Muscle Shoals is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $202,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Home values are appreciating steadily, making it a smart investment for prospective buyers.
Median Home Price:
$202,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are conveniently handled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division in nearby Sheffield. Residents can easily access essential licensing and registration services, supported by a helpful online portal.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
4500 Hatch Blvd, Sheffield, AL 35660
Phone:
1-256-383-2923
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.