Median Income
$50,792
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,100
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$504
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Bessemer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,778
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density323/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,792
Per Capita$28,189
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$235M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,100
Rent$504
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$103,735
Health
Obesity37.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.5%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F
AQI38 (Good)
Elevation1,483 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+96.9%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute16 min
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Bessemer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bessemer receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bessemer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bessemer is $50,792, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bessemer is $76,100, 73% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $504 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Bessemer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bessemer has a population of 1,778 with a density of 323 people per square mile. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 4.3% Hispanic.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.8% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.2% |
| 84% below US avg |
The median household income in Bessemer is $50,792, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,792 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,189 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $779 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,358 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 228 |
| County GDP | $235M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Bessemer is $76,100, 73% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $504 (57% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,735.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,100 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $103,735 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $504 |
| 57% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.31% |
In Bessemer, 37.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.5% report depression. 25.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bessemer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 29.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,870/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Crime Rates: Bessemer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Bessemer has an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,483 ft (452 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 323/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4776°N, 90.0498°W |
| County FIPS | 55051 |