AlabamaPop. 38,499Small cities
Is Phenix City a Good Place to Live? Phenix City, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Phenix City ranks #1193 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #185 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #25 of 184) and affordable homes ($170,300, #35 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (708 per 100,000, #158 of 174) and high poverty (24.5%, #187 of 208).
Phenix City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Phenix City'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 Phenix City?
Phenix City's cost of living index is 89.3, 11% below the US level of 100 and #186 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $967/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $214,927, 11% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Phenix City | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89.3#186 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $214,927#151 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 | $1,356/mo#213 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $170,300#142 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $967/mo#174 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23.2%#799 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.
Phenix City 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. Phenix City is in the Columbus, GA-AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Phenix City safe?
Phenix City recorded 708 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Alabama's 348. That ranks #972 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #158 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Phenix City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,495 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Phenix City | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 708#972 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,495#864 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 Phenix City?
The median household in Phenix City earns $50,053, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 24.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Phenix City | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $50,053#1229 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 24.5%#1228 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 Phenix City?
The median resident of Phenix City is 35.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Phenix City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 23.2%#1054 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 52.4% | 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 Phenix City's schools and health?
Phenix City's 12 public schools graduate 91.4% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 18.7 students per teacher and $12,255 spent per pupil. 43.4% of adults are obese and 16.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Phenix City | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.4%#285 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 18.7#878 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,255#904 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 43.4%#1254 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.6%#1251 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.1%#881 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. 7,717 students are enrolled in Phenix City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Phenix City?
The average commute in Phenix City is 22.1 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.8% of workers take transit and 10.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Phenix City scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82°F and winters 50.5°F, with 48.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Phenix City | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.1 min#514 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.9% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.6% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.4#1184 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 | 58.7 | 38.2 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 63.2 | 41.5 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 70.4 | 47.3 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 77.7 | 54 | 4 |
| May | 85.1 | 63.1 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 90.2 | 70.5 | 4 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 73.5 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 91.8 | 73 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 87.3 | 67.9 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 56.8 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 68.4 | 46.1 | 4 |
| Dec | 60.6 | 40.6 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbus Metro Airport.
| Measure | Phenix City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 66.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 82°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 50.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 48.8 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 Columbus Metro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Phenix City?
Russell County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Russell County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Phenix City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 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% | 0.13%#515 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 Russell County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Russell County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0078% | 72% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0015% | 20% 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 Phenix City compare with similar-size cities?
Phenix City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #185 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 38,499.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #1193 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 | 22.1 min |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #387 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 | 21.5 min |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #757 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 | 25 min |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #1268 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 | 17.7 min |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 min |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 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 Phenix City compare with the rest of Alabama?
Phenix City ranks #18 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 45.3 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 25% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 11% 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 Phenix City's score calculated?
Phenix City scores 45.3 out of 100, #1193 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 Phenix City. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Phenix City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
44.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Phenix City. Similar-size median 52.2.
26.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Phenix City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
52.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Phenix City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Phenix City. Similar-size median 46.7.
16.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Phenix City. Similar-size median 44.2.
39.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Phenix City. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Phenix City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
61.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Phenix City'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 Phenix City 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 Phenix City
Is Phenix City, AL a good place to live?
Phenix City ranks #1193 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #185 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #25 of 184) and affordable homes ($170,300, #35 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (708 per 100,000, #158 of 174) and high poverty (24.5%, #187 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Phenix City?
Phenix City's cost of living index is 89.3, 11% below the US level of 100 and #186 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $967/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $214,927, 11% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Phenix City?
Phenix City recorded 708 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Alabama's 348. That ranks #972 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #158 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Phenix City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,495 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Phenix City?
The median household in Phenix City earns $50,053, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 24.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Phenix City?
Median rent in Phenix City is $967/mo (Census), #174 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,356/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Phenix City?
The typical home value in Phenix City is $214,927, up 5.9% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $170,300.
How are the public schools in Phenix City?
Phenix City's 12 public schools graduate 91.4% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 18.7 students per teacher and $12,255 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Phenix City?
The average commute is 22.1 minutes, #514 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Phenix City?
Phenix City averages 66.6°F over the year, 82°F in summer and 50.5°F in winter, with 48.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Phenix City walkable?
Phenix City scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Phenix City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Russell County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Phenix City?
Russell County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Phenix City?
Phenix City has 38,499 residents. The median resident of Phenix City is 35.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Phenix City compare with the rest of Alabama?
Phenix City ranks #18 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 45.3 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 25% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Phenix City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Phenix City's population of 38,499 are Georgetown, KY (#387 overall), Keizer, OR (#757 overall), Myrtle Beach, SC (#1268 overall), Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), and Clovis, NM (#1027 overall). Phenix City is #1193.