AlabamaPop. 57,361Smaller cities
Is Decatur a Good Place to Live? Decatur, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Decatur ranks #865 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #364 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($896/mo, #8 of 524) and low unemployment (2.5%, #9 of 476), and trails on high violent crime (634 per 100,000, #408 of 444) and low household income ($61,563, #428 of 524).
Decatur by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Decatur'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 Decatur?
Decatur's cost of living index is 87.2, 13% below the US level of 100 and #112 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $896/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $223,248, 8% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Decatur | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.2#112 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $223,248#183 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 | $1,118/mo#61 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $210,200#259 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $896/mo#83 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.5%#197 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.
Decatur 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. Decatur is in the Decatur, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Decatur safe?
Decatur recorded 634 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 93% above the US rate of 328 and 82% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #932 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #408 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Decatur Police Department. Property crime runs 1,884 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Decatur | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 634#932 of 1,085 | 348 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,884#657 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 Decatur?
The median household in Decatur earns $61,563, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Decatur | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $61,563#1012 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.5%#27 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.1%#744 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 Decatur?
The median resident of Decatur is 39.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1082 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Decatur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.4%#1082 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 63.3% | 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 Decatur's schools and health?
Decatur's 17 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $14,832 spent per pupil. 40.5% of adults are obese and 16% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Decatur | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,832#604 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.5%#1143 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16%#1217 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14.1%#1028 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. 8,627 students are enrolled in Decatur's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Decatur?
The average commute in Decatur is 21.1 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.5% of workers take transit and 6.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Decatur scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 43.9°F, with 58 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Decatur | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 26 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80.3% | 80.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.6% | 8.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.4#1184 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 | 52.4 | 31.2 | 5.4 |
| Feb | 56.8 | 34.1 | 5.6 |
| Mar | 65 | 41.4 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 73.8 | 49.3 | 5.2 |
| May | 80.2 | 58 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 86.6 | 65.9 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 89.3 | 69.3 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 88.9 | 68.4 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 84.4 | 62.1 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 74 | 50.3 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 62.9 | 39.8 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 54.9 | 33.9 | 6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Decatur 4se.
| Measure | Decatur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 43.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 58 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 Decatur 4se.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Decatur?
Morgan County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Morgan County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Decatur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#796 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 Morgan County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Morgan County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.017% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.098% | 68% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0014% | 54% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0022% | 54% 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 Decatur compare with similar-size cities?
Decatur is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #364 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,361.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #865 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 | 21.1 min |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #168 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 | 25.1 min |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #449 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 | 25.4 min |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #634 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 | 23.6 min |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #689 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 | 16.2 min |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #314 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 | 20.3 min |
| Bradenton, FLPop. 57,014 | #921 | 51.4 | $60,822 | $1,618/mo | 400 | 25.2 min |
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #157 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 | 27.7 min |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #445 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 | 24.4 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 Decatur compare with the rest of Alabama?
Decatur ranks #11 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 8% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below 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 Decatur's score calculated?
Decatur scores 52.2 out of 100, #865 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Decatur. Similar-size median 55.5.
55.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Decatur's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
53.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Decatur. Similar-size median 58.9.
35.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Decatur's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Decatur's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
85.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Decatur. Similar-size median 56.1.
42.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Decatur. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Decatur. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Decatur's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Decatur'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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live?
Decatur ranks #865 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #364 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($896/mo, #8 of 524) and low unemployment (2.5%, #9 of 476), and trails on high violent crime (634 per 100,000, #408 of 444) and low household income ($61,563, #428 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Decatur?
Decatur's cost of living index is 87.2, 13% below the US level of 100 and #112 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $896/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $223,248, 8% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Decatur?
Decatur recorded 634 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 93% above the US rate of 328 and 82% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #932 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #408 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Decatur Police Department. Property crime runs 1,884 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Decatur?
The median household in Decatur earns $61,563, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Decatur?
Median rent in Decatur is $896/mo (Census), #83 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,118/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Decatur?
The typical home value in Decatur is $223,248, down 1.1% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $210,200.
How are the public schools in Decatur?
Decatur's 17 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $14,832 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Decatur?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Decatur?
Decatur averages 61.4°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 43.9°F in winter, with 58 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Decatur walkable?
Decatur scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Decatur at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Morgan County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Decatur?
Morgan County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Decatur?
Decatur has 57,361 residents. The median resident of Decatur is 39.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1082 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Decatur compare with the rest of Alabama?
Decatur ranks #11 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 8% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Decatur?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Decatur's population of 57,361 are Brookhaven, GA (#168 overall), Lacey, WA (#449 overall), Lancaster, PA (#634 overall), Pocatello, ID (#689 overall), and Kettering, OH (#314 overall). Decatur is #865.