Median Income
$25,179
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
204/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.4%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$919
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Sipsey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population283
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density590/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$25,179
Per Capita$17,937
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$2,568M
Commute33 min
Housing
D
Rent$919
Ownership54.6%
Zillow$141,539
Housing Units139
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent204/100K
Property2,404/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured12.8%
Smoking19.9%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain61.8 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation417 ft (127 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.4%
High School+66.0%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score4.79
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 14%
Commute33 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries4
Is Sipsey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sipsey receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sipsey faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sipsey is $25,179, 66% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sipsey is below the national average at 204 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,404 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
2.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sipsey enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sipsey has a population of 283 with a density of 590 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.6% female and 59.4% male. The city is predominantly White (62.2%), with 37.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 46.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% 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 Sipsey is $25,179, which is 66% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,937 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $936, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,536 business establishments, including 108 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 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 | $25,179 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,937 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $936 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,209 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,536 |
| County GDP | $2,568M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 108 |
| Healthcare | 189 |
| Retail | 251 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,236 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,539. Monthly rent averages $919 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 139 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,236 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $919 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.4% |
| Housing Units | 139 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,236 |
| 36% below US avg |
In Sipsey, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 42.5% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.0% report binge drinking. 34.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,161. The dentist ratio is 1:2,145. 42.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sipsey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.0% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 45.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.2% |
| Uninsured | 12.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,161 |
| Dentists | 1:2,145 |
| Mental Health | 1:841 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Dental Visits | 51.4% |
| Premature Death | 18,377/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 189 |
Sipsey has a violent crime rate of 204 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,404 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sipsey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sipsey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 203.8/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,404.2/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sipsey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 299 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 61.8 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 417 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.1°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 590/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8221°N, 87.0829°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walker County County |
| Nearest Airport | Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.8"
63% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
76 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 13, 2022.
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
70 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jul 15, 1995 |
21 km SSW of Berry, Alabama |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
67 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
67 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Mar 20, 2004 |
11 km NW of Wilton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
82 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
46 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Ivan (2004, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
199 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
756 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 295 fatalities, 3,318 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 8, 1998 |
EF5 |
51 km |
32 |
| Apr 4, 1977 |
EF5 |
37 km |
22 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
81 km |
28 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
98 km |
16 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
97 km |
28 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
29 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
50 km |
22 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
87 km |
22 |
| Feb 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Mar 6, 1967 |
EF4 |
16 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1964 |
EF4 |
82 km |
10 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
19 km |
2 |
| Mar 5, 1963 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 1957 |
EF4 |
13 km |
4 |
| Apr 15, 1956 |
EF4 |
37 km |
25 |
| Apr 24, 1955 |
EF4 |
59 km |
5 |
| Mar 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OK TORNADO UNIT (4,504 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
OK TORNADO UNIT |
4,504 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-1/2/3/4 COMBINED |
3,841 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMP 16/17/18 RX |
3,579 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 14 |
3,140 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,112 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,893 |
51 km |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
59 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,764 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
48 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN TOWER |
2,653 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
OK COMP 6 |
2,606 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,602 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,583 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
OK COMBINED 15/16/18 |
2,557 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,530 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMP 7 RX |
2,501 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
58 km |
| 2020 |
OK PIPELINE |
2,423 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,394 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Sipsey has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Sipsey. 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 | $632 |
| Toddler | $651 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $630 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $560 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sipsey
What is the population of Sipsey?
Sipsey has a population of 283 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 590 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.6% female and 59.4% male.
Is Sipsey expensive to live in?
Sipsey 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 $25,179, 66% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Sipsey safe?
Sipsey is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 204 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,404 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sipsey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sipsey?
Sipsey 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 80°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sipsey?
The job market in Sipsey is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $936. There are 1,536 business establishments in the area, including 108 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sipsey?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $919. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,236.
How are the schools in Sipsey?
Schools in Sipsey have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 2.4% of adults in Sipsey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.0% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sipsey?
The obesity rate in Sipsey is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 34.0% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 12.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,161.
What is transportation like in Sipsey?
The average commute in Sipsey is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sipsey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sipsey is 62.2% White, 37.8% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 46.8% of residents have a disability. 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
