Best Cities for Families in Alabama
Alabama ranks #39 of 50 for families, with a families score of 56.2. Vestavia Hills is its best city for families at 71.4.
- Alabama, all states
- #39 of 50
- Population
- 38,616
What Families Should Know About Alabama
Alabama ranks #39 out of 50 for families, placing it in the lower third of states. That doesn't mean families can't thrive here — the state scores well in affordability (86/100) — but Alabama's overall profile suggests families should weigh the tradeoffs carefully, particularly around outdoor access and livability.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Alabama faces challenges on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 88.2%, roughly in line with national norms. Families relocating here should research individual school districts carefully, as statewide metrics (education score: 49/100) mask significant local variation. Center-based infant care costs $8,859 a year, below the 50-state average, easing the financial burden on young families.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Alabama sits near the 50-state average for violent crime at 348.3 incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI estimate). The low cost of living (index: 88.8) means family budgets stretch further here than in most states, leaving more room for savings, activities, and college funds.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # City | Grade | Families score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Vestavia Hills | A+ | 71.4 | 70.9 | 70 | 98 | 62 | 38,616 |
| 2Hoover | A+ | 68.8 | 67.9 | 67 | 95 | 68 | 92,642 |
| 3Madison | A+ | 67.4 | 72.1 | 59 | 90 | 67 | 60,106 |
| 4Auburn | B+ | 66.2 | 59.8 | 60 | 94 | 76 | 80,594 |
| 5Alabaster | A | 66.0 | 64.3 | 63 | 94 | 75 | 33,917 |
| 6Daphne | B+ | 62.3 | 62.7 | 53 | 97 | 70 | 29,453 |
| 7Northport | B | 60.0 | 57.0 | 48 | 73 | 81 | 31,218 |
| 8Prattville | B | 59.9 | 57.3 | 46 | 80 | 79 | 39,482 |
| 9Opelika | C+ | 58.7 | 54.8 | 57 | 63 | 83 | 32,820 |
| 10Huntsville | B | 56.7 | 56.8 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 222,791 |
| 11Florence | C | 56.6 | 51.5 | 65 | 58 | 88 | 41,701 |
| 12Decatur | C | 54.1 | 52.2 | 63 | 53 | 86 | 57,361 |
| 13Enterprise | C | 54.0 | 51.7 | 54 | 46 | 86 | 29,505 |
| 14Tuscaloosa | D | 53.8 | 48.3 | 55 | 59 | 81 | 111,038 |
| 15Phenix City | D | 52.6 | 45.3 | 52 | 44 | 85 | 38,499 |
| 16Gadsden | D | 52.6 | 44.4 | 58 | 66 | 91 | 33,374 |
| 17Montgomery | D | 52.3 | 46.5 | 41 | 45 | 84 | 197,494 |
| 18Mobile | D | 51.3 | 47.2 | 51 | 59 | 84 | 203,416 |
| 19Dothan | D | 51.0 | 47.2 | 57 | 38 | 87 | 71,514 |
| 20Birmingham | F | 45.6 | 41.1 | 56 | 11 | 83 | 198,173 |
City families scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for families also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), lower is better; the share of households with someone under 18 (Census ACS), higher is better.
Compare: States with Similar Families Rankings
Also See: Alabama for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alabama a good state for families?
Alabama ranks #39 out of 50 for families with a persona-weighted score of 56.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (86/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (7/100).
What is the best city for families in Alabama?
Vestavia Hills ranks #1 in Alabama for families with a score of 71.4/100, followed by Hoover and Madison.
What factors are most important for families in Alabama?
Rankings weighted toward education quality, public safety, affordable housing, healthcare, and community livability — the factors that matter most to families with children.