AlabamaPop. 222,791Mid-size cities
Is Huntsville a Good Place to Live? Huntsville, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Huntsville ranks #589 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.5%, #2 of 241) and fast population growth (+1.4%, #31 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Huntsville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Huntsville'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 Huntsville?
Huntsville's cost of living index is 93.1, 7% below the US level of 100 and #382 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,171/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $290,244, 20% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Huntsville | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.1#382 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $290,244#352 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,330/mo#190 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $293,600#513 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,171/mo#409 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 18.8%#317 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Huntsville 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. Huntsville is in the Huntsville, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Huntsville safe?
Huntsville recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 15% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #717 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #137 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Huntsville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,297 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Huntsville | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 399#717 of 1,085 | 348 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,297#793 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Huntsville?
The median household in Huntsville earns $74,714, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Huntsville | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $74,714#712 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.4%#173 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Huntsville?
The median resident of Huntsville is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #318 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Huntsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 47.2%#318 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Huntsville's schools and health?
Huntsville's 41 public schools graduate 92.5% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $13,080 spent per pupil. 40.7% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Huntsville | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92.5%#210 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,080#823 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.7%#1152 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 21,896 students are enrolled in Huntsville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Huntsville?
The average commute in Huntsville is 19.7 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.2% of workers take transit and 14.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Huntsville scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.1°F and winters 45°F, with 54.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Huntsville | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.7 min#320 of 1,312 | 26 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.2%#67 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.3% | 80.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.6% | 8.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 52.3 | 33.1 | 5 |
| Feb | 57.1 | 36.4 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 65.5 | 43 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 51 | 4.9 |
| May | 82.5 | 60.2 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 89.1 | 68 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 91.5 | 71.1 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 91.3 | 69.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 86.5 | 63.4 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 76 | 51.8 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 63.9 | 41.2 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 55 | 35.9 | 5.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntsville Intnl Airport.
| Measure | Huntsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 80.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 54.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntsville Intnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Huntsville?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 72% 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 Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Huntsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#810 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Madison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.012% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 45% 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 Huntsville compare with similar-size cities?
Huntsville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #90 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 222,791.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #790 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 | 29 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #1110 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 | 28.8 min |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #1263 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 | 29.7 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 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 Huntsville compare with the rest of Alabama?
Huntsville ranks #9 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 12% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 20% 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 Huntsville's score calculated?
Huntsville scores 56.8 out of 100, #589 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Huntsville. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Huntsville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
64.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Huntsville. Similar-size median 53.8.
44.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Huntsville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Huntsville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
75.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Huntsville. Similar-size median 51.2.
49.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Huntsville. Similar-size median 42.1.
60.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Huntsville. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Huntsville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
47.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Huntsville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Huntsville 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 Huntsville
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live?
Huntsville ranks #589 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.5%, #2 of 241) and fast population growth (+1.4%, #31 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Huntsville?
Huntsville's cost of living index is 93.1, 7% below the US level of 100 and #382 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,171/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $290,244, 20% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Huntsville?
Huntsville recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 15% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #717 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #137 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Huntsville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,297 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Huntsville?
The median household in Huntsville earns $74,714, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Huntsville?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,171/mo (Census), #409 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,330/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Huntsville?
The typical home value in Huntsville is $290,244, up 1.3% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $293,600.
How are the public schools in Huntsville?
Huntsville's 41 public schools graduate 92.5% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $13,080 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Huntsville?
The average commute is 19.7 minutes, #320 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 2.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Huntsville?
Huntsville averages 62.9°F over the year, 80.1°F in summer and 45°F in winter, with 54.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Huntsville walkable?
Huntsville scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 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 Huntsville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Huntsville?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Huntsville?
Huntsville has 222,791 residents. The median resident of Huntsville is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #318 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Huntsville compare with the rest of Alabama?
Huntsville ranks #9 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 12% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 20% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Huntsville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Huntsville's population of 222,791 are Richmond, VA (#609 overall), Hialeah, FL (#790 overall), Baton Rouge, LA (#1234 overall), Tacoma, WA (#1110 overall), and San Bernardino, CA (#1263 overall). Huntsville is #589.