Median Income
$54,464
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,300
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.4%
81% higher than US avg
How Gadsden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,131
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density98/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,464
Per Capita$23,441
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty22.4%
County GDP$911M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,300
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$107,691
Health
Obesity41.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.2 in/yr
Elevation150 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+86.8%
School Score4.51
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute27 min
Libraries2
Is Gadsden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gadsden receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gadsden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gadsden is $54,464, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gadsden is $98,300, 65% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Gadsden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Gadsden has a population of 1,131 with a density of 98 people per square mile. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (91.5%), with 7.4% White.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 82.2% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Spanish | 17.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
The median household income in Gadsden is $54,464, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,464 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,441 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,170 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,323 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 287 |
| County GDP | $911M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,059 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Gadsden is $98,300, 65% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,691.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,300 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,691 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,059 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.11% |
In Gadsden, 41.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.5% report depression. 27.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Gadsden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.0% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 82.5% |
| Premature Death | 14,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 20.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Crime Rates: Gadsden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
Safety Score
Gadsden has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 46.2 inches |
| 22% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 11.5 sq mi (29.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 98/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8472°N, 80.7656°W |
| County FIPS | 45017 |