Median Income
$75,875
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
446/100K
17% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.3%
31% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,402
21% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
32% higher than US avg
How Fort Rucker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,221
Median Age24.8 yrs
Density481/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$75,875
Per Capita$25,486
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty16.4%
County GDP$3,915M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,402
Ownership1.0%
Zillow$144,489
Housing Units1,550
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent446/100K
Property1,880/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking12.6%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain57.9 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation344 ft (105 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.3%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score4.70
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute14 min
Broadband97.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Fort Rucker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Rucker receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Fort Rucker offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Rucker is $75,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,402 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 446 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,880 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Rucker enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fort Rucker has a population of 5,221 with a density of 481 people per square mile, spread across 10.9 square miles. The median age is 24.8 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.2% female and 55.8% male. The city is predominantly White (71.4%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 9.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.1% of residents, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 1.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.8yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Rucker vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.1%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.9%
4% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Rucker vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Rucker is $75,875, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,486 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,237, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,130 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Rucker vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,875 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,486 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,237 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,340 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,130 |
| County GDP | $3,915M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 65 |
| Retail | 135 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,739 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,489. Monthly rent averages $1,402 (21% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 1.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,550 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $1,739 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,402 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 1.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 1.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 99.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,550 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,739 |
| 50% below US avg |
In Fort Rucker, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 15.8% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,524. The dentist ratio is 1:2,914. 38.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Rucker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.0% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,524 |
| Dentists | 1:2,914 |
| Mental Health | 1:712 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,939/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 65 |
Fort Rucker has a violent crime rate of 446 per 100,000 residents, 17% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,880 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Fort Rucker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Rucker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 445.8/100K |
| 17% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,880.2/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Rucker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 57.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 344 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 66.5°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 344 ft (105 m) |
| Area | 10.9 sq mi (28.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 481/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.3426°N, 85.7161°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dale County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.9"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Apr 11, 2019.
| Apr 11, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Pollard, Alabama |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 7, 2019 |
2 km NW of Jay, Florida |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
8 km NW of Pollard, Alabama |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
220 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
258 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
171 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
201 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
163 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
189 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
138 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
110 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
177 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
217 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
139 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
589 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 576 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
21 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2023 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (13,987 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
13,987 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,046 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,442 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,235 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,141 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,032 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,694 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,675 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,540 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,378 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,191 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,189 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Fort Rucker has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 49°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.7") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Fort Rucker. 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 | $528 |
| Toddler | $505 |
| Preschool | $478 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Rucker
What is the population of Fort Rucker?
Fort Rucker has a population of 5,221 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 481 people per square mile, spread across 10.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.2% female and 55.8% male.
Is Fort Rucker expensive to live in?
Fort Rucker 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 $75,875, 1% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,402 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is Fort Rucker safe?
The violent crime rate in Fort Rucker is 446 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,880 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Rucker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Rucker?
Fort Rucker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Fort Rucker?
The job market in Fort Rucker is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,237. There are 1,130 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Rucker?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,402. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 1.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,739.
How are the schools in Fort Rucker?
Schools in Fort Rucker have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 44.3% of adults in Fort Rucker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Rucker?
The obesity rate in Fort Rucker is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 38.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,524.
What is transportation like in Fort Rucker?
The average commute in Fort Rucker is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Rucker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Rucker is 71.4% White, 9.6% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 87.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 1.4% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
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