AlabamaPop. 31,218Small cities
Is Northport a Good Place to Live? Northport, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Northport ranks #576 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #108 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 184) and low living costs (87.7, #51 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Northport by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Northport'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 Northport?
Northport's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $982/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $289,705, 20% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Northport | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87.7#128 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $289,705#350 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 | $1,551/mo#381 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $282,600#484 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $982/mo#196 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.6%#49 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.
Northport 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. Northport is in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Northport safe?
Northport recorded 387 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 11% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #699 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #119 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Northport Police Department. Property crime runs 1,286 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Northport | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 387#699 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,286#351 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 Northport?
The median household in Northport earns $80,913, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Northport | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $80,913#601 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.4%#19 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12.3%#673 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 Northport?
The median resident of Northport is 36.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Northport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 38.2%#515 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 62.2% | 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 Northport's schools and health?
Northport's 10 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $11,564 spent per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Northport | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,564#1013 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9%#519 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. 5,571 students are enrolled in Northport's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Northport?
The average commute in Northport is 21.7 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.2% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Northport scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.8°F and winters 47.8°F, with 53.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Northport | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 83% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.1% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.5% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.7#895 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 | 55.7 | 35.7 | 5 |
| Feb | 60.2 | 38.9 | 5.4 |
| Mar | 68.3 | 45.5 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 75.5 | 52 | 5 |
| May | 83 | 61.3 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 89.2 | 69 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 72.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 91.2 | 71.7 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 87 | 65.6 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 76.9 | 53.4 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 65.6 | 42.8 | 4.5 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 38.2 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tuscaloosa Airport Asos.
| Measure | Northport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 64.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 47.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 53.5 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 Tuscaloosa Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Northport?
Tuscaloosa County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% 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 Tuscaloosa County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Northport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 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% | 0.15%#652 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 Tuscaloosa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Tuscaloosa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.012% | 81% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0043% | 64% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0015% | 42% 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 Northport compare with similar-size cities?
Northport is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #108 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 31,218.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #576 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 | 21.7 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #237 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 | 15.1 min |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 min |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #1044 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 | 20.2 min |
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #332 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data | 23.4 min |
| Alamogordo, NMPop. 31,307 | #1028 | 49.6 | $55,952 | $902/mo | 433 | 17.9 min |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #1174 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 | 21.3 min |
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #44 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 | 26.3 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 Northport compare with the rest of Alabama?
Northport ranks #8 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 57 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 21% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 11% 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 Northport's score calculated?
Northport scores 57 out of 100, #576 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 Northport. Similar-size median 52.9.
64.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Northport's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
73.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Northport. Similar-size median 52.2.
46.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Northport's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
47.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Northport's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
81.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Northport. Similar-size median 46.7.
52.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Northport. Similar-size median 44.2.
52.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Northport. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Northport's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
55.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Northport'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 Northport 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 Northport
Is Northport, AL a good place to live?
Northport ranks #576 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #108 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 184) and low living costs (87.7, #51 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Northport?
Northport's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $982/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $289,705, 20% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Northport?
Northport recorded 387 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 11% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #699 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #119 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Northport Police Department. Property crime runs 1,286 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Northport?
The median household in Northport earns $80,913, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Northport?
Median rent in Northport is $982/mo (Census), #196 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,551/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Northport?
The typical home value in Northport is $289,705, up 2.1% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $282,600.
How are the public schools in Northport?
Northport's 10 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $11,564 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Northport?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Northport?
Northport averages 64.5°F over the year, 80.8°F in summer and 47.8°F in winter, with 53.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Northport walkable?
Northport scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Northport at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tuscaloosa County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Northport?
Tuscaloosa County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Northport?
Northport has 31,218 residents. The median resident of Northport is 36.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Northport compare with the rest of Alabama?
Northport ranks #8 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 57 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 21% above the Alabama median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 20% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Northport?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Northport's population of 31,218 are Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall), Juneau, AK (#237 overall), Bella Vista, AR (#156 overall), Shawnee, OK (#1044 overall), and Summerlin South, NV (#332 overall). Northport is #576.