AlabamaPop. 197,494Mid-size cities
Is Montgomery a Good Place to Live? Montgomery, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Montgomery ranks #1152 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #215 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($161,900, #15 of 256) and low living costs (89.7, #19 of 256), and trails on high poverty (21.5%, #227 of 256) and low household income ($56,811, #224 of 256).
Montgomery by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Montgomery'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 Montgomery?
Montgomery's cost of living index is 89.7, 10% below the US level of 100 and #202 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,089/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $152,837, 37% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Montgomery | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 89.7#202 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $152,837#48 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 | $1,338/mo#196 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $161,900#110 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,089/mo#312 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23%#777 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.
Montgomery 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. Montgomery is in the Montgomery, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Montgomery safe?
Montgomery recorded 645 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 85% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #940 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #194 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Montgomery Police Department. Property crime runs 2,906 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Montgomery | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 645#940 of 1,085 | 348 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,906#939 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 Montgomery?
The median household in Montgomery earns $56,811, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Montgomery | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $56,811#1114 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21.5%#1166 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 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 Montgomery?
The median resident of Montgomery is 36.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #654 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Montgomery | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33.8%#654 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.4% | 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 Montgomery's schools and health?
Montgomery's 50 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 19.5 students per teacher and $12,921 spent per pupil. 46.4% of adults are obese and 16.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Montgomery | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19.5#924 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,921#840 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 46.4%#1299 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.7%#1255 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11%#780 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. 27,266 students are enrolled in Montgomery's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Montgomery?
The average commute in Montgomery is 20.7 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.4% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Montgomery scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.9°F and winters 50.3°F, with 51.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Montgomery | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 26 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 79.5% | 80.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8% | 8.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.6#393 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 | 59.8 | 36.5 | 4.6 |
| Feb | 64.7 | 40.4 | 4.9 |
| Mar | 71.9 | 46.5 | 5.2 |
| Apr | 78.8 | 52.6 | 4 |
| May | 86 | 61.3 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 91.5 | 69 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 93.7 | 72.1 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 93.6 | 71.4 | 4 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 66.3 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 80.2 | 54.5 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 69.8 | 43.3 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 61.9 | 38.6 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Montgomery Airport.
| Measure | Montgomery | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 51.2 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 Montgomery Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Montgomery?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% 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 Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Montgomery | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 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% | 0.14%#607 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 Montgomery County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Montgomery County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0078% | 75% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0073% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 58% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 48% 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 Montgomery compare with similar-size cities?
Montgomery is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #215 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 197,494.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #1152 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 | 20.7 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #948 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 | 19 min |
| Peoria, AZPop. 196,906 | #489 | 58.2 | $95,815 | $1,843/mo | 253 | 28.2 min |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #737 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 | 23.2 min |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #400 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 | 28.4 min |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #897 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 | 20.2 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 Montgomery compare with the rest of Alabama?
Montgomery ranks #17 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 15% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 85% above the statewide rate. Homes are 37% 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 Montgomery's score calculated?
Montgomery scores 46.5 out of 100, #1152 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 Montgomery. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Montgomery's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
44.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Montgomery. Similar-size median 53.8.
26.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Montgomery's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
41.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Montgomery's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
83.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Montgomery. Similar-size median 51.2.
25.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Montgomery. Similar-size median 42.1.
41.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Montgomery. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Montgomery's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
54.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Montgomery'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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to live?
Montgomery ranks #1152 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #215 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($161,900, #15 of 256) and low living costs (89.7, #19 of 256), and trails on high poverty (21.5%, #227 of 256) and low household income ($56,811, #224 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Montgomery?
Montgomery's cost of living index is 89.7, 10% below the US level of 100 and #202 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,089/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $152,837, 37% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Montgomery?
Montgomery recorded 645 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 85% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #940 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #194 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Montgomery Police Department. Property crime runs 2,906 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Montgomery?
The median household in Montgomery earns $56,811, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Montgomery?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,089/mo (Census), #312 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,338/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Montgomery?
The typical home value in Montgomery is $152,837, up 2.1% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $161,900.
How are the public schools in Montgomery?
Montgomery's 50 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 19.5 students per teacher and $12,921 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Montgomery?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 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 Montgomery?
Montgomery averages 66.4°F over the year, 81.9°F in summer and 50.3°F in winter, with 51.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Montgomery walkable?
Montgomery scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Montgomery at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Montgomery?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Montgomery?
Montgomery has 197,494 residents. The median resident of Montgomery is 36.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #654 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Montgomery compare with the rest of Alabama?
Montgomery ranks #17 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 15% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 85% above the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Montgomery?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Montgomery's population of 197,494 are Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall), Overland Park, KS (#116 overall), Sunrise Manor, NV (#1275 overall), Grand Rapids, MI (#948 overall), and Peoria, AZ (#489 overall). Montgomery is #1152.