AlabamaPop. 33,917Small cities
Is Alabaster a Good Place to Live? Alabaster, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Alabaster ranks #207 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #3 of 184) and high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 191), and trails on long commutes (30.6 min, #200 of 208).
Alabaster by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Alabaster's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Alabaster?
Alabaster's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,372/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,607, 26% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Alabaster | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $305,607#391 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,882/mo#639 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $261,700#421 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,372/mo#605 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18%#247 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Alabaster housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Alabaster is in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Alabaster safe?
Alabaster recorded 95 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% below the US rate of 328 and 73% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #118 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #32 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alabaster Police Department. Property crime runs 962 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Alabaster | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 95#118 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 962#201 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Alabaster?
The median household in Alabaster earns $91,357, 10% above the US figure of $83,163 and 37% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Alabaster | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $91,357#443 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.2%#7 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 7.1%#247 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Alabaster?
The median resident of Alabaster is 39.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #439 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 87.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Alabaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 39.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 41.1%#439 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 87.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Alabaster's schools and health?
Alabaster's 4 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.3 students per teacher and $13,376 spent per pupil. 32.8% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Alabaster | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.3#776 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,376#783 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.8%#596 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.4%#432 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,392 students are enrolled in Alabaster's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Alabaster?
The average commute in Alabaster is 30.6 minutes (Alabama 26); 0% of workers take transit and 17.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Alabaster scores 6.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1289 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.2°F and winters 47.9°F, with 56.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Alabaster | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 30.6 min#1146 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 8.5%#956 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72.5% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 17.7% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.1#1289 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55.7 | 35.6 | 5.4 |
| Feb | 60.5 | 39.3 | 5.8 |
| Mar | 67.9 | 46 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 75.4 | 52.6 | 5.1 |
| May | 82.5 | 61 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 88.3 | 68.7 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 91.1 | 71.6 | 4.9 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 71 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 86.1 | 65.5 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 76.3 | 53.9 | 3 |
| Nov | 66 | 43.1 | 4.6 |
| Dec | 58 | 38.3 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Alabaster Shelby Co Airport Asos.
| Measure | Alabaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 64.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 47.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 56.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Alabaster Shelby Co Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Alabaster?
Shelby County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shelby County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Alabaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#809 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Shelby County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Shelby County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.031% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 78% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0054% | 68% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Alabaster compare with similar-size cities?
Alabaster is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #40 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,917.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #207 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 | 30.6 min |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #749 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 | 20.8 min |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #486 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 | 13.9 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #122 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 | 22.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Alabaster compare with the rest of Alabama?
Alabaster ranks #4 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 64.3 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 37% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 73% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Alabama home.
| City | Rank in AL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #1 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 |
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #2 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #3 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #4 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #5 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #6 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #7 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #8 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #9 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #10 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #11 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #12 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #13 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #14 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #15 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #16 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #17 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #18 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #19 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 |
| Birmingham, ALPop. 198,173 | #20 | 41.1 | $46,051 | $1,107/mo | 1,239 |
All 20 Alabama cities we track, by overall score. Alabama statewide: median income $66,659, violent crime 348.3 per 100,000.
How is Alabaster's score calculated?
Alabaster scores 64.3 out of 100, #207 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alabama's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Alabaster. Similar-size median 52.9.
70.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Alabaster's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
93.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Alabaster. Similar-size median 52.2.
60.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Alabaster's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
62.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Alabaster's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
75.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Alabaster. Similar-size median 46.7.
66.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Alabaster. Similar-size median 44.2.
55.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Alabaster. Similar-size median 47.3.
44.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Alabaster's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
26.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
53.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Alabaster's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Alabaster has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Alabaster
Is Alabaster, AL a good place to live?
Alabaster ranks #207 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #3 of 184) and high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 191), and trails on long commutes (30.6 min, #200 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Alabaster?
Alabaster's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,372/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,607, 26% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Alabaster?
Alabaster recorded 95 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% below the US rate of 328 and 73% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #118 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #32 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alabaster Police Department. Property crime runs 962 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Alabaster?
The median household in Alabaster earns $91,357, 10% above the US figure of $83,163 and 37% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Alabaster?
Median rent in Alabaster is $1,372/mo (Census), #605 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,882/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Alabaster?
The typical home value in Alabaster is $305,607, up 2.9% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $261,700.
How are the public schools in Alabaster?
Alabaster's 4 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.3 students per teacher and $13,376 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Alabaster?
The average commute is 30.6 minutes, #1146 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 8.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Alabaster?
Alabaster averages 64.4°F over the year, 80.2°F in summer and 47.9°F in winter, with 56.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Alabaster walkable?
Alabaster scores 6.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1289 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Alabaster at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shelby County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Alabaster?
Shelby County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Alabaster?
Alabaster has 33,917 residents. The median resident of Alabaster is 39.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #439 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 87.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Alabaster compare with the rest of Alabama?
Alabaster ranks #4 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 64.3 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 37% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 73% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Alabaster?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Alabaster's population of 33,917 are McMinnville, OR (#749 overall), Kearney, NE (#486 overall), Meridian, MS (#1220 overall), Leawood, KS (#22 overall), and Helena, MT (#513 overall). Alabaster is #207.