Median Income
$46,384
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,800
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
558/100K
47% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.3%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.0%
85% higher than US avg
How Sylacauga Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,388
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density612/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Economy
C+
Median Income$46,384
Per Capita$24,824
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty23.0%
County GDP$4,496M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,800
Rent$717
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$159,668
Crime
F
Violent558/100K
Property5,770/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault354/100K
Burglary1,328/100K
Health
Obesity47.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain57.1 in/yr
Elevation551 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+84.0%
School Score4.40
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 33%
Commute23 min
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Sylacauga a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sylacauga receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Sylacauga has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sylacauga is $46,384, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 23.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sylacauga is $156,800, 44% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 558 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,770 per 100,000, 194% above the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sylacauga enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sylacauga has a population of 12,388 with a density of 612 people per square mile. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (64.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 31.1% Black.
Population
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sylacauga vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Sylacauga vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sylacauga is $46,384, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: Sylacauga vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,384 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,824 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,121 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,961 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.0% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,578 |
| County GDP | $4,496M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 125 |
| Healthcare | 138 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 91 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,668 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Sylacauga is $156,800, 44% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,668.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,800 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,668 |
| Median List Price | $169,499 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $169,499 |
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 26.7% |
| Inventory | 60 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,023 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,668 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.06% |
In Sylacauga, 47.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.0% report depression. 33.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Sylacauga vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.9% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 79.9% |
| Premature Death | 15,316/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 138 |
Sylacauga has a violent crime rate of 558 per 100,000 residents, 47% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,770 per 100,000 (194% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Sylacauga vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 558.1/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 70.7/100K |
| Robbery | 133.6/100K |
| Assault | 353.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,769.5/100K |
| 194% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,328.4/100K |
| Theft | 4,228.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 212.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sylacauga has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 57.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.7°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 57.1 inches |
| 50% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 1.7 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 551 ft (168 m) |
| Area | 20.3 sq mi (52.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 612/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1887°N, 86.2748°W |
| County FIPS | 01121 |