AlabamaPop. 38,616Small cities
Is Vestavia Hills a Good Place to Live? Vestavia Hills, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Vestavia Hills ranks #47 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.1%, #1 of 184) and high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191), and trails on expensive homes ($530,000, #185 of 208) and high rents ($1,515/mo, #165 of 208).
Vestavia Hills by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Vestavia Hills'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 Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills'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 $1,515/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $567,090, 2.3 times the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $567,090#908 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 | $1,879/mo#636 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $530,000#1007 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,515/mo#732 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 13.5%#26 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.
Vestavia Hills 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. Vestavia Hills is in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Vestavia Hills safe?
Vestavia Hills recorded 69 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 80% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #66 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vestavia Hills Police Department. Property crime runs 572 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 69#66 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 572#40 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 Vestavia Hills?
The median household in Vestavia Hills earns $134,369, 62% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2 times Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.1% (US 4.3%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $134,369#91 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.1%#4 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10%#494 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 Vestavia Hills?
The median resident of Vestavia Hills is 41.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 65.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #83 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 41.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 65.3%#83 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 78% | 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 Vestavia Hills's schools and health?
Vestavia Hills's 7 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $14,810 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,810#610 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13.8%#117 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.8%#134 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. 5,304 students are enrolled in Vestavia Hills's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Vestavia Hills?
The average commute in Vestavia Hills is 19.3 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.1% of workers take transit and 17.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Vestavia Hills scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.2°F and winters 47°F, with 56.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.3 min#287 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 74.7% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 17.5% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.6#729 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 | 54.5 | 34.9 | 5 |
| Feb | 59.1 | 38.4 | 5 |
| Mar | 67.1 | 45 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 75 | 52.1 | 5.1 |
| May | 82 | 61 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 88.1 | 68.5 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 91 | 72.1 | 5.4 |
| Aug | 90.6 | 71.3 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 85.9 | 65.3 | 4 |
| Oct | 76 | 53.9 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 65 | 43 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 56.9 | 37.9 | 4.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Birmingham Airport.
| Measure | Vestavia Hills | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 63.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 47°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 56.6 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 Birmingham Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Vestavia Hills?
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 | Vestavia Hills | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#647 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 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 Vestavia Hills compare with similar-size cities?
Vestavia Hills is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #10 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 38,616.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #47 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 | 19.3 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 Vestavia Hills compare with the rest of Alabama?
Vestavia Hills ranks #2 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 2 times the Alabama median. Violent crime is 80% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.3 times 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 Vestavia Hills's score calculated?
Vestavia Hills scores 70.9 out of 100, #47 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 Vestavia Hills. Similar-size median 52.9.
89.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Vestavia Hills's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
98.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Vestavia Hills. Similar-size median 52.2.
69.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Vestavia Hills's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
69.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Vestavia Hills's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
61.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Vestavia Hills. Similar-size median 46.7.
80.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Vestavia Hills. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Vestavia Hills. Similar-size median 47.3.
54.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Vestavia Hills's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
44.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Vestavia Hills'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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Is Vestavia Hills, AL a good place to live?
Vestavia Hills ranks #47 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.1%, #1 of 184) and high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191), and trails on expensive homes ($530,000, #185 of 208) and high rents ($1,515/mo, #165 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills'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 $1,515/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $567,090, 2.3 times the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills recorded 69 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 80% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #66 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vestavia Hills Police Department. Property crime runs 572 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Vestavia Hills?
The median household in Vestavia Hills earns $134,369, 62% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2 times Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.1% (US 4.3%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Vestavia Hills?
Median rent in Vestavia Hills is $1,515/mo (Census), #732 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,879/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 13.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Vestavia Hills?
The typical home value in Vestavia Hills is $567,090, up 4.3% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $530,000.
How are the public schools in Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills's 7 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $14,810 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Vestavia Hills?
The average commute is 19.3 minutes, #287 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills averages 63.9°F over the year, 80.2°F in summer and 47°F in winter, with 56.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Vestavia Hills walkable?
Vestavia Hills scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills?
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 Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills has 38,616 residents. The median resident of Vestavia Hills is 41.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 65.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #83 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Vestavia Hills compare with the rest of Alabama?
Vestavia Hills ranks #2 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 2 times the Alabama median. Violent crime is 80% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.3 times the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Vestavia Hills?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Vestavia Hills's population of 38,616 are Georgetown, KY (#387 overall), Keizer, OR (#757 overall), Myrtle Beach, SC (#1268 overall), Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), and Clovis, NM (#1027 overall). Vestavia Hills is #47.