AlabamaPop. 80,594Smaller cities
Is Auburn a Good Place to Live? Auburn, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Auburn ranks #414 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #193 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 476), and trails on high poverty (25.4%, #500 of 524) and low household income ($63,668, #409 of 524).
Auburn by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Auburn'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 Auburn?
Auburn's cost of living index is 87.9, 12% below the US level of 100 and #133 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,098/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $419,162, 73% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Auburn | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.9#133 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $419,162#668 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,705/mo#512 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $364,800#695 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,098/mo#326 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Auburn 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. Auburn is in the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Auburn safe?
Auburn recorded 99 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 328 and 71% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #128 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #54 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Auburn Police Department. Property crime runs 871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Auburn | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 99#128 of 1,085 | 348 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 871#164 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Auburn?
The median household in Auburn earns $63,668, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 25.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Auburn | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $63,668#960 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.4%#1244 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Auburn?
The median resident of Auburn is 25.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #95 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Auburn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 25.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 64.1%#95 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Auburn's schools and health?
Auburn's 14 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $12,136 spent per pupil. 35.5% of adults are obese and 8.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Auburn | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,136#925 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.5%#815 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.5%#145 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9%#519 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,466 students are enrolled in Auburn's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Auburn?
The average commute in Auburn is 19.9 minutes (Alabama 26); 1% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Auburn scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.8°F and winters 47.7°F, with 56.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Auburn | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.9 min#336 of 1,312 | 26 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.7% | 80.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.3% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.9% | 8.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 56.1 | 35.3 | 5.3 |
| Feb | 60.9 | 38.9 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 45 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 74.7 | 51.3 | 4.8 |
| May | 81.4 | 60.1 | 4 |
| Jun | 86.6 | 67.7 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 89.2 | 70.8 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 88.2 | 70.5 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 83.5 | 65.5 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 74.5 | 54.4 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 64.8 | 43.2 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 57.6 | 37.6 | 5.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Auburn No.2.
| Measure | Auburn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 47.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 56.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Auburn No.2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Auburn?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Auburn's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Auburn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#244 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0069% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0041% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 42% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0038% | 32% 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 Auburn compare with similar-size cities?
Auburn is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #193 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 80,594.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #414 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 | 19.9 min |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #1113 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 | 17 min |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #23 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 | 31 min |
| Perris, CAPop. 80,511 | #1053 | 48.8 | $88,911 | $1,876/mo | 271 | 37.1 min |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 min |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #1309 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 | 22.7 min |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #1095 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 | 18 min |
| Pine Hills, FLPop. 80,105 | #1284 | 39.0 | $58,673 | $1,542/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #510 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 | 17.5 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 Auburn compare with the rest of Alabama?
Auburn ranks #6 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 59.8 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 4% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 73% 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 Auburn's score calculated?
Auburn scores 59.8 out of 100, #414 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Auburn. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Auburn's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
94.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Auburn. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Auburn's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Auburn's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
76.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Auburn. Similar-size median 56.1.
21.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Auburn. Similar-size median 42.4.
62.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Auburn. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Auburn's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
84.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Auburn's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Auburn 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 Auburn
Is Auburn, AL a good place to live?
Auburn ranks #414 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #193 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 476), and trails on high poverty (25.4%, #500 of 524) and low household income ($63,668, #409 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Auburn?
Auburn's cost of living index is 87.9, 12% below the US level of 100 and #133 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,098/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $419,162, 73% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Auburn?
Auburn recorded 99 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 328 and 71% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #128 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #54 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Auburn Police Department. Property crime runs 871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Auburn?
The median household in Auburn earns $63,668, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 25.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Auburn?
Median rent in Auburn is $1,098/mo (Census), #326 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,705/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Auburn?
The typical home value in Auburn is $419,162, up 4.3% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $364,800.
How are the public schools in Auburn?
Auburn's 14 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $12,136 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Auburn?
The average commute is 19.9 minutes, #336 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Auburn?
Auburn averages 63.6°F over the year, 78.8°F in summer and 47.7°F in winter, with 56.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Auburn walkable?
Auburn scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 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 Auburn at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
Who lives in Auburn?
Auburn has 80,594 residents. The median resident of Auburn is 25.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #95 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Auburn compare with the rest of Alabama?
Auburn ranks #6 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 59.8 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 4% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 73% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Auburn?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Auburn's population of 80,594 are Lake Charles, LA (#1113 overall), Somerville, MA (#23 overall), Perris, CA (#1053 overall), Pharr, TX (#1197 overall), and Flint, MI (#1309 overall). Auburn is #414.