Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Semmes, AL
Considering a move to Semmes, AL? With a small-town population of 5,528, Semmes offers affordable living—median home prices are just $170,000 and average rents around $1,050. Residents enjoy warm, sunny weather most of the year, low unemployment, and a short average commute of 31 minutes. While crime rates are a bit higher than the national average, Semmes features strong community schools and easy access to Mobile’s job market and healthcare. Explore below to learn more about cost of living, schools, and local amenities.
Demographics - Semmes, AL
Demographics - Semmes, AL
Semmes is a close-knit community of about 5,500 residents, with a median age of 38.8 years and a population density of 430 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with a significant Black minority, and maintains a nearly even gender balance. A small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town’s welcoming, small-town feel.
Population:
5,528
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.1%
Black:
15.4%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Semmes, AL?
Living in Semmes is notably affordable, with a median home value of $170,000 and average rents around $1,050 per month. The overall cost of living index sits well below the national average, meaning essentials like groceries and housing are budget-friendly. Residents also benefit from relatively low state tax rates and moderate utility costs.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,275
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,185
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
67.8
Utilities:
104.6
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
89.3
Crime
Is Semmes, AL a safe place to live?
Semmes experiences higher-than-average property crime rates, with about 2,350 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 43 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, occurring at a rate of 274 incidents per 100,000, making it important for residents to stay vigilant. Overall, while safety is a consideration, many residents appreciate the small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
274
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,624
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 365
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Semmes, AL year-round?
Semmes enjoys a mild, subtropical climate with warm summers reaching highs around 91°F and winters that rarely dip below 39°F. The city receives about 66 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 62% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, providing comfortable living throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
66.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community of Semmes boasts a median household income of $66,400 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Most residents commute about 31 minutes to work, and a large majority have at least a high school diploma. The poverty rate is moderate, and the area is predominantly owner-occupied, supporting a stable and family-friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$33,100
Household Income:
$66,400
Family Income:
$76,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$30,400
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.7%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Semmes, AL?
Semmes offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Semmes Middle and Allentown Elementary, as well as the private Faith Academy. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, and families have access to higher education nearby at the University of South Alabama. The area supports a strong educational foundation for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Semmes Middle School
Street:
4566 Ed George Rd
Phone:
251-221-2344
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.3
Name:
Allentown Elementary School
Street:
10330 Howells Ferry Rd
Phone:
251-221-1000
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.9
Private Schools
Name:
Faith Academy
Street:
8650 Tanner Williams Rd
Phone:
251-633-7267
Students:
1,400
Colleges
Name:
University of South Alabama
City:
Mobile
State:
AL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Residents of Semmes have convenient access to major hospitals and healthcare providers in nearby Mobile, including Providence Hospital and USA Health University Hospital. The city offers a good ratio of physicians and high health insurance coverage, contributing to reliable healthcare services. The overall healthcare environment supports a healthy and active lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Hospital
Address:
6801 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608
Phone:
(251) 633-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
USA Health University Hospital
Address:
2451 Fillingim St, Mobile, AL 36617
Phone:
(251) 471-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Semmes, AL?
The housing market in Semmes is accessible, with median home prices at $170,000 and an 81% owner-occupancy rate, reflecting a strong preference for homeownership. Rental options are available, with average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050 and a rental vacancy rate of 8.6%. Home values are appreciating steadily, making Semmes an attractive option for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Semmes residents can access DMV services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division in nearby Mobile. The DMV provides driver's license and vehicle registration services at a convenient location on Demetropolis Road. For more information, residents can visit the official Alabama DMV website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
3400 Demetropolis Rd, Mobile, AL 36693
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
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.