Median Income
$59,915
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,000
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$685
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Newton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,431
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density100/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans18.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,915
Per Capita$27,217
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$3,915M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,000
Rent$685
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$250,993
Housing Units699
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property3,714/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault68/100K
Burglary405/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking15.8%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain57.9 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation222 ft (68 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.70
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Newton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Newton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Newton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Newton is $59,915, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Newton is $90,000, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $685 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Newton is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,714 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Newton 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.
Newton has a population of 1,431 with a density of 100 people per square mile, spread across 14.3 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.8%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 12.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 18.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Newton is $59,915, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,217 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,237, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 25 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,915 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,217 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,237 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,340 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Newton is $90,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,993, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $685 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 699 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $1,739 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,000 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,993 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $137 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $685 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.9% |
| Housing Units | 699 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,739 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.93% |
In Newton, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 15.7% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% 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: Newton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,524 |
| Dentists | 1:2,914 |
| Mental Health | 1:712 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,939/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 65 |
Newton has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 67.5 per 100,000, robbery at 67.5, rape at 135.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,714 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,701, burglary at 405, vehicle theft at 608 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Newton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Newton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 270.1/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 135.0/100K |
| Robbery | 67.5/100K |
| Assault | 67.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,713.7/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
| Burglary | 405.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,700.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 607.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 89 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Newton 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 222 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 | 222 ft (68 m) |
| Area | 14.3 sq mi (37.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 100/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.3412°N, 85.5883°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dale County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.9"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.55"
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)
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 |
208 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
249 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
183 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
191 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
174 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
201 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
138 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
121 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
218 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
128 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
579 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 605 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
32 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2023 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 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 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,046 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,442 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,235 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,750 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,694 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,675 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,508 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,424 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,423 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,927 |
92 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) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Newton has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 49°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Newton. 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 Newton
What is the population of Newton?
Newton has a population of 1,431 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 100 people per square mile, spread across 14.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Newton expensive to live in?
Newton 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 $59,915, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,000 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $685 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Newton safe?
Newton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,714 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Newton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Newton?
Newton 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 Newton?
The job market in Newton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / 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 25 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Newton?
The median home value in Newton is $90,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,993. For renters, the median monthly rent is $685. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%. The average annual property tax is $1,739.
How are the schools in Newton?
Schools in Newton have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.4% of adults in Newton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Newton?
The obesity rate in Newton is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 9.5% 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 Newton?
The average commute in Newton is 25 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Newton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Newton is 83.8% White, 12.2% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 18.3% of the population are military veterans. 27.5% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
