Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Highlands, AL
Considering a move to South Highlands, AL? With a friendly population of about 7,200 and a median home value around $192,000, the area offers affordable living close to Birmingham's amenities. Enjoy short 21-minute average commutes, a mild Southern climate with 60% sunny days, and access to highly rated hospitals and schools. While property crime rates are a bit higher than average, the neighborhood's vibrant culture, educational opportunities, and reasonable cost of living make it an appealing choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - South Highlands, AL
Demographics - South Highlands, AL
South Highlands is home to approximately 7,200 residents, with a relatively young median age of 36.2 and a diverse community comprised of 54% White and 41% Black residents. The city features a moderate population density, and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
7,200
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
41.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Highlands, AL?
Living in South Highlands is affordable, with a cost of living index of 85.7—significantly lower than the national average. Median home values are around $192,000 and average rents are $1,040, making housing especially budget-friendly for both renters and buyers.
Median House Value:
$192,000
Gross Rent:
$1,040
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,315
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
71.8
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
94.1
Miscellaneous:
91.7
Crime
Is South Highlands, AL a safe place to live?
The city experiences a moderate crime rate, with 394 violent crimes and 2,180 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While the chance of property crime is about 1 in 46, many residents appreciate the community’s vibrant atmosphere and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
394
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,574
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 254
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in South Highlands, AL year-round?
South Highlands enjoys a mild Southern climate, with warm summers averaging highs of 91°F and winters rarely dipping below 36°F. The area receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, offering residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of South Highlands have a median household income of $58,200 and an average commute time of just over 21 minutes. The community is fairly well-educated, with nearly 88% holding a high school diploma or higher and a bachelor's degree completion rate of 34.6%.
Median Income:
$35,500
Household Income:
$58,200
Family Income:
$69,800
Per Capita Income:
$31,900
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,040
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
34.6%
Education
How are the schools in South Highlands, AL?
South Highlands offers quality education options, including public schools like Glen Iris Elementary and Ramsay High School, as well as private choices such as Highlands School. The city is also just a mile from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, providing ample opportunities for higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Glen Iris Elementary School
Street:
1115 11th St S
Phone:
205-231-7440
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Ramsay High School
Street:
1800 13th Ave S
Phone:
205-231-7000
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2

Private Schools
Name:
Highlands School
Street:
4901 Montevallo Rd
Phone:
205-956-9731
Students:
380

Colleges
Name:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
South Highlands benefits from proximity to major medical centers like UAB Hospital and Children's of Alabama, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, quality medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UAB Hospital
Address:
1802 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone:
(205) 934-3411
Type:
General & Trauma Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Children’s of Alabama
Address:
1600 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone:
(205) 638-9100
Type:
Pediatric Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Highlands, AL?
The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $192,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 57%. Rental options are plentiful, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,040 and a relatively low foreclosure rate, making it an attractive market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$192,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,040
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can conveniently access driver services at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Division in nearby Birmingham, or visit the state DMV website for information and online services. The office provides a full range of licensing and vehicle registration services.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division
Address:
908 Bankhead Hwy W, Birmingham, AL 35201
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.