Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Blocton, AL
Considering a move to West Blocton, AL? This friendly small town of about 1,180 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $132,000 and average rents at $760. Enjoy a mild Southern climate with 60% sunny days, low commute times, and easy access to respected schools. The area has a low violent crime rate and is close to major hospitals in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, making it a great choice for those seeking quiet living within reach of city amenities.
Demographics - West Blocton, AL
Demographics - West Blocton, AL
West Blocton is a close-knit community of 1,180 people, with a median age of 39.2 and a population density of 187 residents per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with a significant Black community making up nearly one-fifth of residents, and has a nearly balanced gender ratio. The area sees limited linguistic diversity, as over 97% of residents speak English at home.
Population:
1,180
Density:
187 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
79.5%
Black:
18.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Blocton, AL?
West Blocton offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $132,000 and average rents around $760 per month. Utility and grocery costs are also below the national average, and state income tax rates remain relatively low, making the town budget-friendly for families and retirees alike. Overall, the cost of living index is 79.5, reflecting substantial savings compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$132,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.5
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
60.1
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
82.3
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
85.9
Crime
Is West Blocton, AL a safe place to live?
West Blocton reports a low violent crime rate, with residents facing a 1 in 455 chance of such incidents, and property crime is moderately higher but still manageable for a small town. The overall crime index indicates a safer environment than many urban areas, contributing to the town's appeal for those seeking peace of mind. Community-oriented policing and a slower pace of life help keep crime rates in check.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
1,970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in West Blocton, AL year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Southern climate, with winter lows averaging 33°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The area receives about 56 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather roughly 60% of the year, making outdoor activities pleasant for much of the seasons. Spring and fall offer especially comfortable temperatures for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in West Blocton have a median income of $48,600, with a per capita income of $22,800 and a modest poverty rate of 15.8%. Most residents commute about 33 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is nearly nonexistent. The community is largely comprised of high school graduates, and unemployment remains low at 3.4%.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$48,600
Family Income:
$55,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$32,600
Income Female:
$26,400
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
32.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.0%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in West Blocton, AL?
West Blocton supports local families with public schools like West Blocton High and Elementary, offering reasonable class sizes and dedicated staff. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are easily accessible, with the University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College less than 30 miles away. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment, with 84% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
West Blocton High School
Street:
4734 Truman Aldrich Pkwy
Phone:
205-938-9009
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
West Blocton Elementary School
Street:
827 Main St
Phone:
205-938-2451
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alabama
City:
Tuscaloosa
State:
AL
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
38,320
Name:
Shelton State Community College
City:
Tuscaloosa
State:
AL
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is facilitated by proximity to major hospitals in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, both offering emergency services and comprehensive care. West Blocton residents benefit from a good physician-to-population ratio and a high health insurance coverage rate of 87.4%. The area’s healthcare index of 68.9 reflects reliable local medical resources for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
DCH Regional Medical Center
Address:
809 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone:
(205) 759-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Address:
2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone:
(205) 877-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.4%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Blocton, AL?
West Blocton's housing market is characterized by affordable homeownership, with median home prices at $132,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 77.1%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $760, and the town experiences steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates. The housing market is stable, making it attractive for both buyers and renters seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of West Blocton are served by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, headquartered in Montgomery. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are accessible online or by phone, offering convenience for local drivers. The state website provides detailed information for new residents and existing motorists.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
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.