Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Selma, AL
Considering a move to Selma, AL? With a population of 17,625, Selma offers affordable housing (median home price just $91,100 and rents around $720), a warm Southern climate with 60% sunny days, and a short average commute of 23 minutes. While the cost of living is well below the national average, the city faces high property and violent crime rates and lower-than-average income and education levels. Selma’s rich history and strong sense of community make it unique, and local schools and healthcare are readily accessible.
Demographics - Selma, AL
Selma is home to about 17,625 residents, with a predominantly Black community making up 80% of the population. The city's median age is nearly 40, and there is a slightly higher number of females than males. With a moderate population density, Selma features a close-knit, diverse atmosphere that reflects its rich cultural heritage.
Population:
17,625
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
83 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
18.4%
Black:
80.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Selma, AL?
Selma offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $91,100 and typical rents near $720 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees. Utilities and groceries also tend to be reasonably priced, helping residents make the most of their income.
Median House Value:
$91,100
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
45.6
Utilities:
89.4
Transportation:
84.2
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Selma, AL a safe place to live?
Selma experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 69 and property crime at 1 in 19. Residents should be mindful of safety precautions and local crime trends. Despite these challenges, the city remains committed to community initiatives and neighborhood watch programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,456
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,149
Crime Index:
6,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 69
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Selma, AL year-round?
Selma enjoys a classic Southern climate with mild winters, hot summers, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities most of the year. Residents can expect comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in winter to low 90s in summer.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Selma's neighborhoods tend to have modest household incomes, with a median around $31,000 and a higher-than-average poverty rate of 38%. The area features a strong sense of community, with most residents commuting about 23 minutes to work. While educational attainment is lower than national averages, neighbors value local schools and affordable living.
Median Income:
$31,175
Household Income:
$30,558
Family Income:
$37,925
Per Capita Income:
$19,182
Income Male:
$32,880
Income Female:
$28,120
Poverty Rate:
38.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.1%
Bachelors or More:
13.8%
Education
How are the schools in Selma, AL?
Selma offers a range of educational opportunities, with public schools like Selma High School and Knox Elementary, as well as private options such as Morgan Academy. The city is also home to Wallace Community College Selma, supporting both traditional and adult learners. Student-teacher ratios in local schools are on par with state averages, providing a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Selma High School
Street:
2180 Broad St
Phone:
334-874-1680
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Knox Elementary School
Street:
1002 Mabry St
Phone:
334-874-1660
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
Morgan Academy
Street:
2901 W Dallas Ave
Phone:
334-875-4464
Students:
480
Colleges
Name:
Wallace Community College Selma
City:
Selma
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
Concordia College Alabama (Closed 2018)
City:
Selma
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
n/a
Healthcare
Selma residents have access to healthcare through facilities like Vaughan Regional Medical Center, which provides emergency and general services. The city has about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 86% have health insurance coverage. Healthcare is generally accessible, supporting the needs of the local population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Vaughan Regional Medical Center
Address:
1015 Medical Center Pkwy, Selma, AL 36701
Phone:
(334) 418-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
65.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Selma, AL?
Selma’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices near $91,100 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $720. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area experiences a moderate rental vacancy rate. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making the city attractive for first-time buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$91,100
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Driver services in Selma are provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency at the local office on Water Avenue. Residents can handle licensing and vehicle registration needs conveniently within the city. The DMV’s official website offers additional information and resources for new arrivals.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
1004 Water Avenue, Selma, AL 36701
Phone:
1-334-874-2518
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.