Median Income
$78,906
5% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
601/100K
58% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Needham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population83
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density146/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,906
Per Capita$39,701
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$728M
Commute46 min
Housing
Ownership90.3%
Zillow$127,835
Housing Units50
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent601/100K
Property1,914/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking21.6%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain61.5 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation165 ft (50 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score3.48
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute46 min
Broadband31.0%
Libraries2
Is Needham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Needham receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Needham has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Needham is $78,906, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 601 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 1,914 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Needham enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Needham has a population of 83 with a density of 146 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.9% female and 36.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above 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 Needham is $78,906, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,701. The average weekly wage is $1,189, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 354 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 46 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 | $78,906 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,701 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,189 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,899 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 354 |
| County GDP | $728M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 53 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,146 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 46.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,835. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 50 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $1,146 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 90.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.7% |
| Housing Units | 50 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,146 |
| 67% below US avg |
In Needham, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 40.3% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 31.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,507. The dentist ratio is 1:2,073. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Needham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.6% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,507 |
| Dentists | 1:2,073 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,126 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,977/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Needham has a violent crime rate of 601 per 100,000 residents, 58% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,914 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Needham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Needham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 601.4/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,913.6/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Needham enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 313 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 61.5 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 165 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.0°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 165 ft (50 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9870°N, 88.3366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Choctaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.5"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Oct 24, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M4.8 |
135 km |
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
27 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
35 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
31 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Pollard, Alabama |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Mar 11, 2019 |
4 km N of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| May 4, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| May 21, 2002 |
7 km ESE of York, Alabama |
M3.0 |
53 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Apr 22, 2009 |
15 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
280 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
159 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
101 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
163 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
181 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
174 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
195 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 42 fatalities, 755 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1986 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF4 |
79 km |
7 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
30 km |
2 |
| Jun 18, 2023 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2013 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
4 |
| Nov 15, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,062 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,062 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,999 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,870 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
CHICKASAWHAY - CPT 398 399 |
4,697 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,500 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,245 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,189 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 341 |
4,101 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,097 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,956 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,794 |
63 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,556 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 393 |
3,474 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 343 |
3,474 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
3,432 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
3,345 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,229 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 389 |
3,200 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,156 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Needham has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 47°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.9 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.9") and October the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Needham. 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 | $587 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $554 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Needham
What is the population of Needham?
Needham has a population of 83 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 146 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.9% female and 36.1% male.
Is Needham expensive to live in?
Needham 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 $78,906, 5% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Needham safe?
Public safety is a concern in Needham, with a violent crime rate of 601 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,914 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Needham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Needham?
Needham enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Needham?
The job market in Needham is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,189. There are 354 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 46 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Needham?
Schools in Needham have an average test score of 3.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.1% of adults in Needham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Needham?
The obesity rate in Needham is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 31.7% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,507.
What is transportation like in Needham?
The average commute in Needham is 46 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Needham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Needham is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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