Median Income
$77,679
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$168,800
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
405/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
26% higher than US avg
How Lester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population130
Median Age28.5 yrs
Density68/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$77,679
Per Capita$24,438
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty15.6%
County GDP$3,929M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$168,800
Ownership74.4%
Zillow$244,685
Housing Units53
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent405/100K
Property2,589/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.4%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain58.5 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation813 ft (248 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+10.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute43 min
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries4
Is Lester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lester receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times, high obesity rates. Lester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lester is $77,679, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 15.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lester is $168,800, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 405 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,589 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lester has a population of 130 with a density of 68 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 28.5 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 67.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.5yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Lester is $77,679, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,438 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $899, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,558 business establishments, including 199 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,679 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,438 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,087 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,558 |
| County GDP | $3,929M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 199 |
| Healthcare | 245 |
| Retail | 371 |
| Manufacturing | 83 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,296 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lester is $168,800, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,685, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $2,296 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,800 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,685 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.6% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,296 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Lester, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.8% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844. The dentist ratio is 1:1,712. 52.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 67.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,844 |
| Dentists | 1:1,712 |
| Mental Health | 1:510 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,937/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 245 |
Lester has a violent crime rate of 405 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,589 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 404.5/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,589.0/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 301 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 58.5 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 813 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.0°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 813 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 68/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9828°N, 87.1555°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lauderdale County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pryor Field Regional (DCU)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.5"
54% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
42 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 21, 2023.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
150 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
90 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
3 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
4 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
4 km NNW of Berry, Alabama |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Oct 3, 1993 |
3 km SW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
7 km NW of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
11 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
17 km |
| Sep 20, 1990 |
6 km N of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
18 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
5 km SSE of Wartrace, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Oct 20, 2017 |
5 km ENE of Hollywood, Alabama |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
17 km E of Olivet, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
608 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 144 fatalities, 2,426 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
83 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
33 km |
16 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
64 km |
28 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
66 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1999 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
30 km |
3 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF4 |
59 km |
21 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
60 km |
11 |
| Apr 24, 1955 |
EF4 |
71 km |
5 |
| Mar 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Nov 29, 2016 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,112 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,764 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN TOWER |
2,653 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,602 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
BIG TREE |
2,288 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,264 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
BALLS MT. |
2,229 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,160 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
BK LEOLA/WARREN |
2,007 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
BNK MILL CREEK RX |
1,959 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
STINSON GAP |
1,922 |
69 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,845 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,826 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
5.8 in |
|
Lester has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 41°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.5") and August the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Lester. 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 | $589 |
| Toddler | $583 |
| Preschool | $550 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lester
What is the population of Lester?
Lester has a population of 130 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 68 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Lester expensive to live in?
Lester 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 $77,679, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,800 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lester safe?
The violent crime rate in Lester is 405 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 2,589 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lester?
Lester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lester?
The unemployment rate in Lester is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $899. There are 2,558 business establishments in the area, including 199 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lester?
The median home value in Lester is $168,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,685. The homeownership rate is 74.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,296.
How are the schools in Lester?
Schools in Lester score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Lester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 10.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lester?
The obesity rate in Lester is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 52.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844.
What is transportation like in Lester?
The average commute in Lester is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lester is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 67.4% have health insurance coverage.
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