Are you deciding to move to Alabama? You should definitely consider Birmingham!
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, in the north-central region of Jefferson County.
The Magic City of Alabama is known for its rapid growth during the late 80s and early 90s and its downtown development in the 20th century.
The city was named after Birmingham, England, because it became a steel, iron, coal, and limestone production center. It became known as the “Steel City of Alabama” and “the Pittsburgh of the South.”
With such an illustrious reputation and fame, would it not be wise to settle down in the city of a thousand trades? If yes, jump to the blog post to learn more about moving to Birmingham, AL, and find out if it’s right for you!
Population & Diversity of Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is Alabama’s 3rd most populous county, after Montgomery and Huntsville. The city is home to over 196,910 residents who settle over 147 sq. miles of land.
According to the US news and World reports, Birmingham, AL, ranks in the list of top 100 places to live in the US and is one of the best cities in Alabama.
Let’s take a quick tour of the population and diversity stats of Birmingham, AL:
- Birmingham, AL, has a male-female ratio of 47.18% male and 52.82% female.
- The poverty rate in Birmingham is 25.54%.
- The city has a population diversity score of 71 out of 100.
- The median age in Birmingham, AL is 35.7 years.
- The Official language in Birmingham is English.
The population of Birmingham, AL, encompasses several ethnic groups, which are as follows:
- White- 22.3%
- Black or African American- 73.4%
- Hispanic population- 2.1%
- Asian- 0.2%
- Native American- 1.0%
- Other races- 1.0%
Is moving to Birmingham, AL, safe?
Birmingham, Alabama, has a high crime rate compared to other cities in the United States.
Below are some facts and information about the crime scenes and safety in Birmingham, AL.
- Birmingham ranks seventh in Neighborhood Scout’s “Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.”
- Birmingham has experienced a downfall in violent and property crime rates by 19% over the last five years.
- The violent and property crime rate in Birmingham is 112% and 355%, respectively, more than the national average.
- Your chance of becoming a violent crime and property crime victim in Birmingham is 1 in 60 and 1 in 13, respectively.
The crime rate of Burmingham versus the state and national average, on a scale of 1 to 100, are mentioned as follows:
| Crime type | Birmingham | Alabama | US |
| Violent crime | 75.2 | 26.8 | 22.7 |
| Property crime | 89 | 43 | 35.4 |
Source: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/alabama/birmingham/crime
The most unsafe areas in Birmingham are:
- North Central Birmingham
- Ensley
- Jones Valley
- Garden Highlands.
The safest neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL, are:
- Mountain Brook
- Homewood
- Vestavia Hills
- Highland Park
- Helena
What is the Cost of Living in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham, Alabama, has a cost of living index difference of 24.3% lower than the national average.
The average cost of living in Birmingham is $1974 per month.
Despite being the most populous city, Birmingham has a cost of living similar to that of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which is 89.
To meet the cost of living expenses and lead a comfortable life in Birmingham, an annual average salary of $59,726 per year is recommended.
Here is a table summarizing the cost of living in Birmingham, AL:
| Category | Compared to the National Average |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 75.7 |
| Housing Expenses | 20% lower than the national average |
| Utility Prices | 2% higher than the national average |
| Transportation Expenses | 10% lower than the national average |
| Groceries | 8% lower than the national average |
| Healthcare | 1% lower than the national average |
| Monthly Estimated Costs | $1,340.0 without rent |
Study the cost of living table in Birmingham, AL vs the US.
| Category | Birmingham | Alabama | US average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 87 | 84.1 | 100 |
| Food and groceries | 93.3 | 94.4 | 100 |
| Healthcare | 122 | 118.9 | 100 |
| Housing | 27.1 | 56.6 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 101.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 88.4 | 85.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 82.6 | 71 | 100 |
Source: https://www.birminghamal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FY-2019-Operating-Budget.pdf
Job Market in Birmingham, AL
Relocating to Birmingham, AL, means getting an instant job from the many employment vacancies in the city. The city offers more than 25,035 job opportunities to aspirants annually in various sectors, including finance, education, healthcare, and more.
Below is a brief information about the job market in Birmingham, AL.
- The median household income in Birmingham, as of 2023, is $59,726, which is lower than the US average.
- The average hourly pay in Birmingham, Alabama, as of 2023 is $25.98.
- The job market in Birmingham is expected to grow by 29.2% over the next ten years, slightly lower than the US average of 33.5%.
- Currently, the city has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, relatively higher than the US average. Approximately 6000 residents in Birmingham are unemployed.
The Top Employers In Birmingham, Al
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Regions Financial Corporation
- AT&T
- St. Vincent’s Health System
- Children’s of Alabama
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
- Mercedes Benz U.S. International
- Encompass Health
- BL Harbert International
The Most Common Job Titles In Birmingham, AL
- Cashier
- Customer Service Representative
- Sales Associate
- Internship
- Administrative Assistant
- Registered Nurse
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Substitute Teacher
- Electrician
- Branch Manager
The Highest Paying Jobs In Birmingham, Al
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary |
| Physician | $285,559 |
| Anesthesiologist | $277,000 |
| Psychiatrist | $267,000 |
| Surgeon | $259,000 |
| Orthodontist | $250,000 |
| Dentist | $200,000 |
| CRNA (Certified RN Anesthetist) | $179,100-$307,000 |
| Software Architect | $150,000 |
| Director of Engineering | $140,000 |
| Senior Project Manager | $130,000 |
Tax rates in Birmingham, AL
The tax rates in Birmingham, Alabama, are among the highest in the United States. The city ranks 39th in the nation for overall tax burden.
Below are the values of three types of taxes imposed by the Birmingham government.
- Sales Tax- 10% (4% of Alabama tax, 4% of city tax, 1% county tax, and 1% special tax)
- Income Tax- 3%-6%
- Property Tax- 0.73% of the asserted value.
How is the Housing market in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham has a competitive housing market, with homes getting 2-3 offers on an average before sale in around 57 days. Here’s a summary of the housing and rental market in Birmingham, AL.
- The average home price in Birmingham, AL, as of 2023, is $150,000.
- The median cost per square foot in the city is $145.
- The typical home value in Birmingham has decreased by 17.4% since last year.
- The home appreciation in Birmingham has increased by 20%.
The table below will give you an idea about the city’s housing market.
| Housing costs | Birmingham, AL | US |
| Median home cost | $102,000 | $338,100 |
| Rental cost of a studio | $840 | $1080 |
| Rental cost of 1 bedroom | $890 | $1180 |
| Rental cost of 2 bedroom | $1040 | $1430 |
| Rental cost of 3 bedroom | $1310 | $1860 |
Top neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
The top neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL, are listed below.
- Highland Park
- Five Points South
- Vestavia Hills
- Forest Park
- Red Mountain
- Central City
- Lakeview
- Crestline
- Avondale
- Homewood
Education system in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL, has 159 elementary schools, 59 high schools, 73 public districts, and 302 private schools.
Birmingham City Schools is a public school district that is the fourth-largest school system in Alabama. The city school has about 21,597 students, and the ratio of students to teachers is 18:1.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is one of the best universities in Alabama and ranks #142 among the best National Universities.
Public Schools:
- Mountain Brook High School
- Homewood High School
- Vestavia Hills High School
- Spain Park High School
- Phillips Academy
- Epic Alternative Elementary School
- Princeton School
- Wylam Elementary School
- Mt Laurel Elementary School
- Oak Mt Intermediate School
Private Schools:
- Indian Springs School
- The Altamont School
- The Westminster School at Oak Mountain
- Briarwood Christian School
- John Carroll Catholic High School
- Saint Rose Academy
- Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School
- Advent Episcopal School
- Highlands School
- Birmingham Southern College
Public Transportation in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has many extensive transportation networks and options connecting different neighborhoods and neighboring cities of the state.
Unfortunately, the city doesn’t have a subway system.
The average commute time in Birmingham is about 21 minutes, less than that of the US, which is 26 minutes.
Take a quick look at the public transportation facilities offered by the government.
- Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport
- Taxi/cab service
- Rental cars
- Greyhound Bus service
- MAX transit
- Birmingham Xpress
- Moovit
Weather and climate in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL, features a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers, mild winters, occasional rainfall, and partly cloudy skies throughout the year. Over the entire year, the average daily temperature there is from 35°F to 90°F, and sometimes reduces below 25°F and rises above 95°F
According to the National Weather Service, below are some quick facts regarding Birmingham’s climatic conditions.
- On average, Birmingham receives 247 sunny days, 57 inches of rainfall, and 1.6 inches of snowfall yearly.
- The best time to visit Birmingham, AL is spring and fall.
- From May to September, July records the hottest temperature with an average daily high-low of 90°F and 72°F.
- From November to February, January is the coldest month in Birmingham, with an average daily high-low of 60°F and 35°F.
Here is a table summarizing the weather in Birmingham, AL, for all months:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (inches) | Average Snowfall (inches) |
| January | 54 | 36 | 5.2 | 0.5 |
| February | 59 | 39 | 4.9 | 0.3 |
| March | 67 | 46 | 6.1 | 0.1 |
| April | 75 | 53 | 4.8 | 0 |
| May | 82 | 62 | 4.5 | 0 |
| June | 89 | 70 | 4.3 | 0 |
| July | 90 | 72 | 4.6 | 0 |
| August | 89 | 71 | 3.9 | 0 |
| September | 85 | 65 | 3.9 | 0 |
| October | 76 | 53 | 3.6 | 0 |
| November | 66 | 44 | 4.8 | 0 |
| December | 57 | 38 | 5.2 | 0.1 |
Things to Do in Birmingham, AL
Here is the list of top things to do and see in Birmingham, AL.
- Visit Rickwood Field Park to watch baseball matches.
- Walk and relax at Birmingham’s Railroad Park.
- Youths can visit the Ruffner Mountains for hiking and other adventurous activities.
- Enjoy music concerts, sports events, and international conferences at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
- Take a tour of the Birmingham Zoo with your kids and families.
- Experience the unbelievable beauty and creativity of nature by visiting Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
- Explore the Birmingham Museum Of Art and let your kid develop an interest in art.
- Good People Brewing Company is a perfect companion for every retired person.
Pros and Cons of Living in Birmingham, AL
Check out the list of pros and cons to consider before relocating to Birmingham, Alabama.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low cost of living compared to the national average | Intense weather, including hot and humid summers |
| Affordable housing | High crime rate compared to other cities |
| Amazing food scene and top-tier breweries | Sunday closures of some businesses |
| Plenty of sports teams to root for | Painful parking |
| Fantastic healthcare | Limited public transportation options |
| Lots to do, including museums, parks, and live music | occasional tornadoes |
| Decent public transportation |
Final Verdict
Choosing a location to reside in a state as illustrious as Alabama can be daunting. Birmingham is an excellent option if you are still determining where to begin and need to decide immediately.
A large city with a lot of job opportunities, a super affordable housing market, lower living costs, outstanding diversity, top-class education opportunities, excellent southern food, and a lot of things to do and explore is what Magic City will offer to everyone.
So, Birmingham meets your requirements and lifestyle. Pack your bags and have a safe move!
Image Credits: Robert S. Donovan from Sarasota, FL, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons