Median Income
$49,962
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,200
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$645
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Boaz Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,847
Median Age34.1 yrs
Density746/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,962
Per Capita$25,796
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$5,278M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,200
Rent$645
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$217,547
Housing Units4,294
Rent Burden26.4%
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking19.0%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain56.8 in/yr
Elevation1,071 ft (326 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.09
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Boaz a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boaz receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Boaz offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Boaz is $49,962, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Boaz is $158,200, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Boaz enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches.
Boaz has a population of 10,847 with a density of 746 people per square mile, spread across 14.6 square miles. The median age is 34.1 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (79.7%), with 16.7% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.3% of residents, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
10,847
Total Population
2023 Census
34.1yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.3%
11% above US avg
Spanish
9.5%
29% below US avg
The median household income in Boaz is $49,962, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,796 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,582 business establishments, including 208 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,962 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,796 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,765 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,582 |
| County GDP | $5,278M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 208 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 424 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,624 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Boaz is $158,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,547, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $237,900 with homes selling in an average of 57 days. Homes sell for 104.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $645 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,294 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,624 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,547 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $237,900 |
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $237,900 |
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $168 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 57 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 104.3% |
| Price Drops | 32.3% |
| Inventory | 31 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $645 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 4,294 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,624 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Boaz, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 39.6% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,819. The dentist ratio is 1:2,762. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
1.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
138.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Boaz vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,819 |
| Dentists | 1:2,762 |
| Mental Health | 1:347 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 51.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,809/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
Boaz enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 1,071 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 59.0°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,071 ft (326 m) |
| Area | 14.6 sq mi (37.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 746/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1990°N, 86.1552°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Alabama Regional (GAD) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.8"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.60"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
98 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
58 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
57 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
19 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
98 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
60 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
80 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Mar 20, 2004 |
11 km NW of Wilton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Sep 19, 1990 |
6 km NNW of Menlo, Georgia |
M2.9 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Opal (1995, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
236 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
695 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 217 fatalities, 2,718 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
27 km |
25 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
99 km |
16 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
69 km |
22 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
50 km |
14 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
53 km |
22 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
21 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
11 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
76 km |
2 |
| Nov 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| Apr 24, 1955 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Mar 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
4 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
55 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,740 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
69 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,844 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
SC 540C/CHOCCOLOCCO |
3,750 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,188 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
PENTECOST |
3,095 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
BANKHEAD I |
3,027 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,871 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
AL-MLR UNITS 2/3 RX |
2,836 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,777 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
TL BUNN |
2,688 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
Boaz has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 40°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Boaz. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133-$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178-$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710-$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355-$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133-$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552-$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355-$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884-$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444-$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440-$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776-$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710-$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178-$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888-$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66-$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22-$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66-$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55-$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066-$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533-$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444-$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178-$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355-$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440-$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $512 |
| Toddler | $470 |
| Preschool | $448 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $359 |
| Toddler | $363 |
| Preschool | $363 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Boaz
What is the population of Boaz?
Boaz has a population of 10,847 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 746 people per square mile, spread across 14.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Boaz expensive to live in?
Boaz is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,962, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Boaz?
Boaz enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 56.8 inches.
How is the job market in Boaz?
The job market in Boaz is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 2,582 business establishments in the area, including 208 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Boaz?
The median home value in Boaz is $158,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,547. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $237,900, with homes typically selling within 57 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $645. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,624.
How are the schools in Boaz?
Schools in Boaz score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Boaz hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boaz?
The obesity rate in Boaz is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,819.
What is transportation like in Boaz?
The average commute in Boaz is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Boaz?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Boaz is 79.7% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 16.7% Hispanic or Latino. 87.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.