AlabamaPop. 92,642Smaller cities
Is Hoover a Good Place to Live? Hoover, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hoover ranks #118 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #55 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.1%, #2 of 476) and low violent crime (66 per 100,000, #23 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Hoover by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hoover'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 Hoover?
Hoover's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,457/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $438,571, 82% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Hoover | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $438,571#707 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 | $1,362/mo#221 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $412,200#815 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,457/mo#691 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16%#99 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.
Hoover 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. Hoover is in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Hoover safe?
Hoover recorded 66 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 81% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #59 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hoover Police Department. Property crime runs 1,034 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hoover | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 66#59 of 1,085 | 348 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,034#234 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 Hoover?
The median household in Hoover earns $109,253, 31% above the US figure of $83,163 and 64% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.1% (US 4.3%). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hoover | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $109,253#242 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.1%#4 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.1%#107 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 Hoover?
The median resident of Hoover is 38.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 62.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #104 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hoover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 62.6%#104 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.1% | 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 Hoover's schools and health?
Hoover's 16 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 15 students per teacher and $14,273 spent per pupil. 30.2% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Hoover | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,273#664 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 30.2%#406 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.3%#175 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. 13,524 students are enrolled in Hoover's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hoover?
The average commute in Hoover is 25.2 minutes (Alabama 26); 0% of workers take transit and 16.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hoover scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.5°F and winters 46.9°F, with 55.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hoover | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.2 min#793 of 1,312 | 26 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.7%#524 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% | 0% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.1% | 8.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.1#1031 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 | 54.8 | 34.6 | 5.1 |
| Feb | 60.1 | 37.8 | 5.6 |
| Mar | 68 | 45 | 5.3 |
| Apr | 76.1 | 51.2 | 5.2 |
| May | 83.4 | 60.3 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 89.6 | 67.7 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 92.2 | 71.2 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 92 | 70.2 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 87.2 | 64.4 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 76.3 | 52.3 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 64.9 | 41.6 | 4.7 |
| Dec | 57 | 36.8 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Helena.
| Measure | Hoover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 80.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 46.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 55.6 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 Helena.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hoover?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 44% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Hoover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#647 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 Jefferson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jefferson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.022% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0081% | 75% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.098% | 68% 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 Hoover compare with similar-size cities?
Hoover is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #55 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 92,642.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Chino, CAPop. 92,652 | #798 | 53.3 | $104,682 | $2,336/mo | 324 | 33.1 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #58 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #74 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 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 Hoover compare with the rest of Alabama?
Hoover ranks #3 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 67.9 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 64% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 81% below the statewide rate. Homes are 82% 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 Hoover's score calculated?
Hoover scores 67.9 out of 100, #118 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Hoover. Similar-size median 55.5.
78.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hoover's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
95.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hoover. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hoover's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hoover's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
67.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hoover. Similar-size median 56.1.
78.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hoover. Similar-size median 42.4.
52.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hoover. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hoover's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
44.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hoover'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 Hoover 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 Hoover
Is Hoover, AL a good place to live?
Hoover ranks #118 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #55 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.1%, #2 of 476) and low violent crime (66 per 100,000, #23 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Hoover?
Hoover's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,457/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $438,571, 82% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Hoover?
Hoover recorded 66 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 81% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #59 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hoover Police Department. Property crime runs 1,034 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hoover?
The median household in Hoover earns $109,253, 31% above the US figure of $83,163 and 64% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.1% (US 4.3%). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hoover?
Median rent in Hoover is $1,457/mo (Census), #691 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,362/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hoover?
The typical home value in Hoover is $438,571, up 3.1% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $412,200.
How are the public schools in Hoover?
Hoover's 16 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 15 students per teacher and $14,273 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hoover?
The average commute is 25.2 minutes, #793 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hoover?
Hoover averages 64°F over the year, 80.5°F in summer and 46.9°F in winter, with 55.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hoover walkable?
Hoover 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 Hoover at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hoover?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 44% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hoover?
Hoover has 92,642 residents. The median resident of Hoover is 38.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 62.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #104 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hoover compare with the rest of Alabama?
Hoover ranks #3 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 67.9 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 64% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 81% below the statewide rate. Homes are 82% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Hoover?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hoover's population of 92,642 are O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall), Greenville, NC (#1026 overall), Chino, CA (#798 overall), Kirkland, WA (#58 overall), and Roswell, GA (#74 overall). Hoover is #118.