AlabamaPop. 33,374Small cities
Is Gadsden a Good Place to Live? Gadsden, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gadsden ranks #1217 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #189 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($808/mo, #6 of 208) and affordable homes ($116,800, #7 of 208), and trails on low household income ($40,345, #206 of 208) and high poverty (28.1%, #199 of 208).
Gadsden by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gadsden'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 Gadsden?
Gadsden's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $808/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $117,213, 51% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Gadsden | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.7#39 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $117,213#11 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 | $859/mo#9 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $116,800#25 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $808/mo#28 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% | 24%#900 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.
Gadsden 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. Gadsden is in the Gadsden, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Gadsden safe?
Gadsden recorded 398 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 328 and 14% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #714 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #120 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gadsden Police Department. Property crime runs 2,168 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gadsden | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 398#714 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,168#751 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 Gadsden?
The median household in Gadsden earns $40,345, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 28.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gadsden | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $40,345#1304 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 28.1%#1281 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Gadsden?
The median resident of Gadsden is 38.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 15.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gadsden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 15.5%#1257 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 55.7% | 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 Gadsden's schools and health?
Gadsden's 12 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $13,509 spent per pupil. 49% of adults are obese and 20.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Gadsden | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.5#685 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,509#763 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 49%#1308 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 20.4%#1308 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 14.3%#1037 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. 4,872 students are enrolled in Gadsden's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gadsden?
The average commute in Gadsden is 20.7 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.1% of workers take transit and 4.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gadsden scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.8°F and winters 45°F, with 57.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gadsden | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.8% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.2% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.2#1216 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 | 52.8 | 32.8 | 5.7 |
| Feb | 57.3 | 36.2 | 5.2 |
| Mar | 66 | 43.3 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 74.9 | 50.4 | 5.1 |
| May | 82 | 59.4 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 87.8 | 67.9 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 90.9 | 71.2 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 90.3 | 70.4 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 85.3 | 64.3 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 75.4 | 52.5 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 64 | 41.3 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 55.6 | 35.7 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gadsden.
| Measure | Gadsden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 79.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 57.6 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 Gadsden.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gadsden?
Etowah County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 61% 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 Etowah County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Gadsden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 45#664 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% | 0.18%#835 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 Etowah County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Etowah County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.036% | 100% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.01% | 79% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 75% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0014% | 54% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 39% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 36% 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 Gadsden compare with similar-size cities?
Gadsden is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #189 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,374.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 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 |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 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 Gadsden compare with the rest of Alabama?
Gadsden ranks #19 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 44.4 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 39% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 51% 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 Gadsden's score calculated?
Gadsden scores 44.4 out of 100, #1217 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Gadsden. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gadsden's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
65.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gadsden. Similar-size median 52.2.
11.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gadsden's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gadsden's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
91.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gadsden. Similar-size median 46.7.
5.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gadsden. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gadsden. Similar-size median 47.3.
40.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gadsden's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
32.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
42.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gadsden'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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden
Is Gadsden, AL a good place to live?
Gadsden ranks #1217 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #189 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($808/mo, #6 of 208) and affordable homes ($116,800, #7 of 208), and trails on low household income ($40,345, #206 of 208) and high poverty (28.1%, #199 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Gadsden?
Gadsden's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $808/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $117,213, 51% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Gadsden?
Gadsden recorded 398 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 328 and 14% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #714 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #120 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gadsden Police Department. Property crime runs 2,168 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gadsden?
The median household in Gadsden earns $40,345, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 28.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gadsden?
Median rent in Gadsden is $808/mo (Census), #28 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $859/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gadsden?
The typical home value in Gadsden is $117,213, up 5.7% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $116,800.
How are the public schools in Gadsden?
Gadsden's 12 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $13,509 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gadsden?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gadsden?
Gadsden averages 62.8°F over the year, 79.8°F in summer and 45°F in winter, with 57.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gadsden walkable?
Gadsden scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 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 Gadsden at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Etowah County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gadsden?
Etowah County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Gadsden?
Gadsden has 33,374 residents. The median resident of Gadsden is 38.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 15.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gadsden compare with the rest of Alabama?
Gadsden ranks #19 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 44.4 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 39% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 51% below the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Gadsden?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gadsden's population of 33,374 are Leawood, KS (#22 overall), Helena, MT (#513 overall), Chester, PA (#1204 overall), Gillette, WY (#379 overall), and Dover, NH (#122 overall). Gadsden is #1217.