Median Income
$36,250
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
511/100K
35% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$926
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.5%
41% higher than US avg
How Vandiver Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population890
Median Age53.5 yrs
Density44/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$36,250
Per Capita$37,029
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty17.5%
County GDP$17,333M
Commute27 min
Housing
B+
Rent$926
Ownership68.3%
Zillow$291,973
Housing Units521
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent511/100K
Property4,374/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking16.5%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain55.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation487 ft (148 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+76.5%
Graduate+11.3%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute27 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries14
Is Vandiver a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vandiver receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Vandiver has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vandiver is $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. The poverty rate of 17.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $926 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,374 per 100,000, 123% above the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vandiver enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Vandiver has a population of 890 with a density of 44 people per square mile, spread across 21.0 square miles. The median age is 53.5 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 31.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.5yrs
Median Age
38% 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 Vandiver is $36,250, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,029. The average weekly wage is $1,284. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,251 business establishments, including 436 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,250 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,029 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,284 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $102,306 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.5% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,251 |
| County GDP | $17,333M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 436 |
| Healthcare | 535 |
| Retail | 708 |
| Manufacturing | 159 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,123 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,973. Monthly rent averages $926 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 521 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $3,123. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $926 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Housing Units | 521 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,123 |
| 11% below US avg |
In Vandiver, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 39.0% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,297. The dentist ratio is 1:1,967. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vandiver vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,297 |
| Dentists | 1:1,967 |
| Mental Health | 1:756 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 535 |
Vandiver has a violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 residents, 35% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,374 per 100,000, 123% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vandiver receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vandiver vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 511.1/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,374.1/100K |
| 123% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vandiver enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 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 55.6 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 487 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.0°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 487 ft (148 m) |
| Area | 21.0 sq mi (54.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 44/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.4589°N, 86.5292°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.6"
46% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0447 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.90 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
61 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 25, 2020.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
142 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Jul 15, 1995 |
21 km SSW of Berry, Alabama |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
47 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
12 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Michael (2018, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
289 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
151 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 209 fatalities, 2,247 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 8, 1998 |
EF5 |
76 km |
32 |
| Apr 4, 1977 |
EF5 |
38 km |
22 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
82 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
25 km |
22 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
99 km |
7 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
46 km |
22 |
| Mar 6, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1964 |
EF4 |
18 km |
10 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Mar 5, 1963 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 1957 |
EF4 |
78 km |
4 |
| Apr 15, 1956 |
EF4 |
41 km |
25 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
62 km |
7 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
48 km |
6 |
| Jan 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Mar 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,740 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,157 |
47 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMPARTMENT 50/51 RX |
5,018 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
OK C-49 |
4,745 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-1/2/3/4 COMBINED |
3,841 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,507 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,482 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
OK 234 |
3,482 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
WIREGRASS |
3,467 |
47 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,414 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,188 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
53°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
4.9 in |
|
Vandiver has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 45°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Vandiver. 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 | $638 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $631 |
| Toddler | $615 |
| Preschool | $561 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vandiver
What is the population of Vandiver?
Vandiver has a population of 890 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 44 people per square mile, spread across 21.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Vandiver expensive to live in?
Vandiver 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 $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $926 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Vandiver safe?
The violent crime rate in Vandiver is 511 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 4,374 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Vandiver receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vandiver?
Vandiver enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Vandiver?
The job market in Vandiver is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,284. There are 7,251 business establishments in the area, including 436 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 13.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vandiver?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $926. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,123.
How are the schools in Vandiver?
Schools in Vandiver score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Vandiver hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.5% have completed high school. 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vandiver?
The obesity rate in Vandiver is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,297.
What is transportation like in Vandiver?
The average commute in Vandiver is 27 minutes. 55.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vandiver?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vandiver is 93.5% White, 2.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 31.3% of residents have a disability. 76.5% have health insurance coverage.