Alabama · Metropolitan Area
Birmingham is a large city in Alabama with a population of 199,322. Residents earn $44,376 per year, which is 41% below the national average.
Based on current data, Birmingham receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Birmingham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Birmingham is $44,376, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
The median home value in Birmingham is $138,600, 51% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
With 1,588 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,567 per 100,000, 235% above the national average.
30.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Birmingham enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 94.1% |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 5.9% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $44,376 |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,616 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,376 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,287 |
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 22,923 |
| County GDP | $65,539M |
| Restaurants | 1,550 |
| Healthcare | 1,895 |
| Retail | 2,539 |
| Manufacturing | 504 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,063 |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
| Census Median | $138,600 |
| 51% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $134,655 |
| Median List Price | $157,400 |
| Median List Price | $157,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 123 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.6% |
| Price Drops | 21.8% |
| Inventory | 939 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,047 |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,309 |
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,063 |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.8% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 81.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,164/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,895 |
| Total Violent | 1,588.3/100K |
| 318% above US avg | |
| Murder | 24.5/100K |
| 289% above US avg | |
| Rape | 85.8/100K |
| Robbery | 495.5/100K |
| Assault | 982.5/100K |
| Total Property | 6,566.7/100K |
| 235% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,767.9/100K |
| Theft | 4,121.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 677.0/100K |
| Arson | 68.4/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 94 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 64.3°F |
| 19% above US avg | |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 50.6 inches |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 147.1 sq mi (380.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,355/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.5272°N, 86.7970°W |
| County FIPS | 01073 |
Winner: Democrat by 10.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 30.7% |
| 9% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 88.7% |
| School Test Score | 4.40 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 1,355/sq mi |
| Total Area | 147.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 72 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 81 |
| Public Libraries | 40 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,895 |
| Restaurants | 1,550 |
| Retail Stores | 2,539 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 94 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 21.5 min |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |