AlabamaPop. 41,701Small cities
Is Florence a Good Place to Live? Florence, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Florence ranks #915 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191) and low rents ($820/mo, #8 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (543 per 100,000, #145 of 174) and low household income ($52,174, #169 of 208).
Florence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Florence'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 Florence?
Florence's cost of living index is 84.8, 15% below the US level of 100 and #29 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $820/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $216,557, 10% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Florence | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 84.8#29 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $216,557#157 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 | $1,188/mo#91 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $196,300#214 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $820/mo#36 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.9%#332 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.
Florence 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. Florence is in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Florence safe?
Florence recorded 543 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% above the US rate of 328 and 56% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #873 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #145 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Florence Police Department. Property crime runs 2,009 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Florence | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 543#873 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,009#715 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 Florence?
The median household in Florence earns $52,174, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Florence | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $52,174#1199 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 17.9%#1032 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Florence?
The median resident of Florence is 35.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Florence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 34.5%#630 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 52.1% | 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 Florence's schools and health?
Florence's 8 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $14,378 spent per pupil. 37.6% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Florence | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.5#791 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,378#660 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.6%#986 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.7%#741 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. 4,519 students are enrolled in Florence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Florence?
The average commute in Florence is 18.7 minutes (Alabama 26); 0% of workers take transit and 8.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Florence scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.1°F and winters 45.1°F, with 54.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Florence | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.7 min#235 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.6%#881 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.4% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.5% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 8.9% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 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 | 52.4 | 33.5 | 4.7 |
| Feb | 56.7 | 36.7 | 4.8 |
| Mar | 65.2 | 43.5 | 5.1 |
| Apr | 74.4 | 51.5 | 4.8 |
| May | 82.1 | 60.6 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 88.9 | 67.9 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 71.4 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 91.2 | 69.9 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 86.1 | 63.3 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 75.7 | 51.5 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 63.8 | 41.2 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 55 | 36.1 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Muscle Shoals Airport.
| Measure | Florence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 54.2 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 Muscle Shoals Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Florence?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Florence's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lauderdale County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Florence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#795 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 Lauderdale County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lauderdale County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.023% | 86% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0051% | 76% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.016% | 75% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% 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 Florence compare with similar-size cities?
Florence is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #149 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 41,701.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 min |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #128 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 | 19.2 min |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #137 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 | 30.3 min |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #326 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 | 24.3 min |
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #535 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 | 21.8 min |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #307 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 | 15.5 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 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 Florence compare with the rest of Alabama?
Florence ranks #13 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 22% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 56% above the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 Florence's score calculated?
Florence scores 51.5 out of 100, #915 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 Florence. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Florence's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
57.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Florence. Similar-size median 52.2.
40.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Florence's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
65.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Florence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Florence. Similar-size median 46.7.
29.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Florence. Similar-size median 44.2.
42.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Florence. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Florence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - 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 54.8.
40.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Florence'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 Florence 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 Florence
Is Florence, AL a good place to live?
Florence ranks #915 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191) and low rents ($820/mo, #8 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (543 per 100,000, #145 of 174) and low household income ($52,174, #169 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Florence?
Florence's cost of living index is 84.8, 15% below the US level of 100 and #29 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $820/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $216,557, 10% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Florence?
Florence recorded 543 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% above the US rate of 328 and 56% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #873 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #145 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Florence Police Department. Property crime runs 2,009 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Florence?
The median household in Florence earns $52,174, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Florence?
Median rent in Florence is $820/mo (Census), #36 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,188/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Florence?
The typical home value in Florence is $216,557, up 2.6% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $196,300.
How are the public schools in Florence?
Florence's 8 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $14,378 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Florence?
The average commute is 18.7 minutes, #235 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 7.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Florence?
Florence averages 62.9°F over the year, 80.1°F in summer and 45.1°F in winter, with 54.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Florence walkable?
Florence scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 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 Florence at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lauderdale County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
Who lives in Florence?
Florence has 41,701 residents. The median resident of Florence is 35.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Florence compare with the rest of Alabama?
Florence ranks #13 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 22% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 56% above the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Florence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Florence's population of 41,701 are Jefferson City, MO (#621 overall), Marion, IA (#128 overall), Shelton, CT (#137 overall), Greer, SC (#326 overall), and Brookfield, WI (#34 overall). Florence is #915.