Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pelham, AL
Considering a move to Pelham, AL? This friendly city of 24,500 offers affordable living, with a median home price of $315,000 and rents around $1,290. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (122 per 100K), short average commutes of 27 minutes, and excellent local schools. With a mild Southern climate, 58% sunny days, and strong educational attainment, Pelham is a great choice for families and professionals seeking comfort and convenience.
Demographics - Pelham, AL
Demographics - Pelham, AL
Pelham is home to about 24,500 residents, offering a suburban atmosphere with a population density of 900 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White at 82%, with a median age of 39, providing a balanced mix of families and professionals. A modest 7.8% of the population are non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Population:
24,500
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
9.5%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pelham, AL?
Living in Pelham is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $315,000 and average rents around $1,290 per month. The cost of living index is 90.5, making it lower than the national average, and housing, groceries, and utilities are all reasonably priced. With state taxes ranging from 2% to 5%, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,290
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,610
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
81.5
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Pelham, AL a safe place to live?
Pelham boasts a low violent crime rate of 122 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also moderate, with a 1 in 93 chance, well below many urban areas. The city's overall crime index reflects a secure and peaceful community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
122
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,070
Crime Index:
1,192
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 820
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Pelham, AL year-round?
Pelham experiences a mild Southern climate with winter lows averaging 35°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. The city enjoys 58% sunny days annually and receives about 54.7 inches of rainfall, creating pleasant conditions year-round. Residents benefit from distinct but comfortable seasons ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Pelham's neighborhoods boast a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $91,500 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%. Educational attainment is high, as over 95% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and unemployment is just 2.7%. The average commute is 27 minutes, offering a convenient balance between work and home life.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$91,500
Family Income:
$104,500
Per Capita Income:
$39,200
Income Male:
$56,000
Income Female:
$41,500
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,290
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.5%
Bachelors or More:
37.8%
Education
How are the schools in Pelham, AL?
Pelham offers excellent educational opportunities, with highly rated public schools like Pelham High School and Pelham Ridge Elementary providing strong student-to-teacher ratios. Local private options and nearby colleges, such as the University of Montevallo and Jefferson State Community College, offer a range of academic choices within a short drive. This makes Pelham a great place for families seeking quality education at all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Pelham High School
Street:
2500 Panther Cir
Phone:
205-624-3701
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Pelham Ridge Elementary School
Street:
251 Applegate Pkwy
Phone:
205-624-3703
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0

Private Schools
Name:
Oak Mountain Classical School
Street:
5080 Cahaba Valley Trace
Phone:
205-995-7113
Students:
160

Colleges
Name:
University of Montevallo
City:
Montevallo
State:
AL
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
Jefferson State Community College
City:
Hoover
State:
AL
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
8,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare with major hospitals like Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Grandview Medical Center nearby, both offering emergency services. There are 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and health insurance coverage is high at 92.4%. Pelham’s healthcare index of 78.0 reflects reliable medical services for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Shelby Baptist Medical Center
Address:
1000 First Street North, Alabaster, AL 35007
Phone:
(205) 620-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Grandview Medical Center
Address:
3690 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone:
(205) 971-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pelham, AL?
The housing market in Pelham is stable, with a median home price of $315,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 82.3%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,290, and the area sees a modest annual home appreciation rate of 3.5%. Low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates make it an attractive place for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,290
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Pelham residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in nearby Birmingham. The local DMV offers standard driver services and is conveniently located on Montgomery Highway. More information and online services are available through the Alabama DMV website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Driver License Division
Address:
1025 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35216
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.