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Huntsville, Alabama

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

56
Overall Score

Huntsville, Alabama, often called "The Rocket City," is a vibrant and growing metropolitan area in northern Alabama. It's renowned for its strong ties to aerospace, defense, and technology, largely due to the presence of Redstone Arsenal and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This has attracted a diverse population of engineers, scientists, and other professionals, contributing to a highly educated workforce and a dynamic economy. The city offers a blend of Southern charm and innovative spirit, with a growing arts and culture scene, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. People are drawn to Huntsville for its robust job market, relatively affordable cost of living compared to other tech hubs, and a high quality of life.

About Alabama

Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is characterized by its Southern charm, rich history, and diverse natural beauty, ranging from the Appalachian foothills to Gulf Coast beaches. The state's economy has diversified beyond its agricultural roots, with major industries now including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, banking, and steel production. Living in Alabama generally offers a low cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly below the national average. The climate is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters with ample sunshine for much of the year, supporting an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

234,859
Population
$65K
Avg Salary
95
Cost Index
56.3
Quality Score
How this 56/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 25 / 100 25.0 30% 7.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 95.0 50.0 25% 12.5
Economy & jobs Median household income: $74,714 Income needed to live here: $64,000 Unemployment rate: 2.3% 71.1 20% 14.2
Growth Population growth rate: 2.7% Job growth rate: no usable reading 92.5 15% 13.9
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 82 / 100 82.0 10% 8.2
Overall score 56.3

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=87), last refreshed 2 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Huntsville

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Quality Scores

Business
82
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Huntsville is generally considered lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many. Housing expenses, in particular, are significantly lower, which helps to offset slightly higher costs in other areas like groceries. Utilities and transportation costs also tend to be below the national average. This affordability, combined with strong economic opportunities, contributes to Huntsville's appeal as a place to live and work.

Average Rent
$1,522/mo
Groceries
$701/mo
Transport
$349/mo
Utilities
$337/mo
Healthcare
$137/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$701.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Huntsville's economy is primarily driven by its robust aerospace, defense, and technology sectors, largely centered around Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park. The city has seen significant job growth, with a low unemployment rate. Major employers include NASA, the U.S. Army, and numerous private contractors and technology companies. The entrepreneurial climate is strong, fostering new business growth and innovation. The city's economic resilience was ranked #1 nationally in 2026, reflecting its diverse job market and stable financial conditions.

The average salary in Huntsville is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $64,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing +37.60% Healthcare Technology Aerospace & Defense Research & Development

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Huntsville primarily relies on personal vehicles, as public transportation options are limited. The city has a public bus system, Orbit, but most locals use cars for daily commutes and errands. Despite this car dependency, Huntsville is known for its manageable commute times, with the average commute being significantly shorter than the national average. The city's design, with dispersed employment centers, helps to mitigate traffic congestion.

20 min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Huntsville was ranked the nation's most financially resilient city in 2026, indicating strong economic stability.
The city consistently boasts shorter commute times compared to larger metropolitan areas, with most residents reporting 15-20 minute commutes.
Huntsville ranked 17th out of 200 cities for overall driving safety in 2026, with drivers averaging over 12 years between collisions.
The average cost of assisted living in Huntsville is lower than both the state and national averages.
Huntsville climbed to the No. 2 position in the Milken Institute's 2026 Best-Performing Cities Index, highlighting its economic strength.
Drawbacks
Huntsville's overall crime rate is 35% higher than the national average.
Violent crimes in Huntsville are 35% higher than the national average.
Huntsville drivers rank among the worst in the nation for speeding, according to a 2026 report.
The city is considered less safe than the Alabama state average and the national average in terms of crime rate.
While overall utilities are lower, grocery prices in Huntsville are slightly higher than the national average.

Questions about Huntsville

What people ask about living in and moving to Huntsville, Alabama.

How are the public schools rated in Huntsville? Schools & Education 1 answer

Huntsville’s public schools are administered by a county‑wide district that offers a mix of traditional, magnet, and STEM‑focused programs. Test scores and graduation rates generally hover around state averages, with some schools receiving higher marks for college readiness. To evaluate specific schools, visit the state department of education’s website for report cards, or use the district’s own portal where you can...

Where can I find hospitals and urgent care in Huntsville? Healthcare 1 answer

Huntsville is served by several major hospitals, specialty clinics, and urgent‑care centers spread throughout the metropolitan area. The city’s health department provides a directory of licensed facilities, and most hospitals have emergency rooms that operate 24/7. For routine or specialist care, you can search the state health‑care provider database or use insurance provider portals to locate in‑network doctors and...

How does the cost of living in Huntsville compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Huntsville’s cost‑of‑living index is 95, meaning it is about 5 % lower than the national average of 100. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be slightly cheaper than in many larger metros, while housing costs are close to the national median. With an average salary of $65,000 per year, residents generally find their purchasing power comparable to other mid‑size U.S. cities, espe...

What industries drive the job market in Huntsville? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Huntsville’s economy is anchored by aerospace, defense, and technology sectors, with many engineering roles tied to research labs, government contracts, and private firms. The city also has a growing presence in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. Job seekers in engineering should explore postings on regional employment portals and check the city’s workforce development board, which aggregates openings from...

Is Huntsville a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Huntsville’s safety score is 25.0 out of 100, indicating higher crime levels compared to many U.S. cities. Crime tends to be concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many residential areas experience low rates of violent incidents. Prospective residents should review recent crime maps provided by the city’s police department and consider factors such as lighting, community watch programs, and proximity to servic...

What should I know about utilities and service providers when moving to Huntsville? Moving Here 1 answer

When you relocate to Huntsville, you’ll need to arrange for electricity, water, natural gas, internet, and waste services. The city’s utility department oversees water and trash pickup, while multiple regional providers handle electricity and gas; you can compare rates on their respective websites. Internet service is offered by several national and regional carriers, each with different speed tiers and bundle option...

What are the top free or low‑cost activities for families in Huntsville? Things to Do 1 answer

Huntsville offers a variety of family‑friendly options that cost little or nothing. Public parks feature hiking trails, playgrounds, and riverfront walking paths. The city’s cultural district hosts free museum days, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals. You can also explore historic districts, community gardens, and local art installations. For a schedule of free events, check the city’s tourism board calendar or...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Huntsville? Housing 1 answer

The average rent across Huntsville is $1,522 per month, which includes a range of unit sizes and neighborhoods. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas often sit near that average, though prices can be lower in outlying districts and higher in newly developed complexes. To get a precise figure, browse local rental listings on regional housing websites or contact the city’s housing authority, which publishes up‑to‑dat...

What public transportation options are available in Huntsville? Getting Around 1 answer

The city operates a bus network that covers major corridors, downtown, and several suburban routes. Service frequencies vary, with more frequent runs during peak hours and reduced schedules on weekends. For longer trips, regional rail and intercity bus services connect Huntsville to nearby cities. You can view schedules, route maps, and fare information on the municipal transit authority’s website or through mobile a...

How does the climate in Huntsville affect daily life? General 1 answer

Huntsville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Summer temperatures frequently rise into the high 80s °F (30 °C) and can exceed 90 °F (32 °C), while winter lows usually stay above freezing, though occasional cold snaps bring snow or ice. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with spring and fall being the most pleasant for outdoor activities. Res...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Huntsville? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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