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Phenix City, Alabama

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

45
Overall Score

Phenix City, Alabama, often referred to as 'The Good Life City,' is situated on the western bank of the Chattahoochee River, directly across from Columbus, Georgia. This unique geographical position has historically shaped its character, offering residents a blend of small-town charm with access to the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. The city has a rich and complex history, evolving from its early days to become a diverse community. Its strategic location continues to be a draw for individuals and families seeking a more affordable cost of living while remaining close to economic opportunities and cultural attractions in the wider Columbus metropolitan area.

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.

38,282
Population
$48K
Avg Salary
90
Cost Index
44.9
Quality Score
How this 45/100 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): 90.0 56.3 25% 14.1
Economy & jobs Median household income: $50,053 Income needed to live here: $50,000 Unemployment rate: 2.8% 57.6 20% 11.5
Growth Population growth rate: 1% Job growth rate: 0.5% 40.0 15% 6.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 58 / 100 58.0 10% 5.8
Overall score 44.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=88), last refreshed 3 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 Phenix City

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Quality Scores

Business
58
Livability
65
Affordability
85
Growth
60

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Phenix City is notably more affordable than the national average, standing at approximately 10% to 16% lower than the U.S. average in 2026. This affordability is a significant factor for residents, with housing costs being a primary driver of the lower overall expenses. For instance, housing expenses are estimated to be around 26.5% lower than the national average. While food, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also generally below national averages, the substantial difference in housing prices makes Phenix City an attractive option for those looking to maximize their budget.

Average Rent
$1,174/mo
Groceries
$350/mo
Transport
$360/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$350.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$120.00

Salary Insights

Phenix City's economy is characterized by a mix of industries, with Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance being the most common employment sectors for residents as of 2024. Although the city experienced a decline in employment at a rate of -3.15% from 2023 to 2024, new investments are contributing to job creation. For example, Sierra Pacific Industries established a new lumber and millwork manufacturing facility in Phenix City in late 2024, projected to create 300 to 500 new jobs by 2026. The broader Alabama economy, which includes Phenix City, has seen expanding job opportunities and significant capital investment in sectors like automotive and advanced manufacturing.

The average salary in Phenix City is $48,000 per year. You would need approximately $50,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +0.50% Manufacturing +1.00% Health Care & Social Assistance +1.20% Automotive +2.00% Distribution +1.00%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
66.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Phenix City is largely car-dependent, with approximately 86.3% of residents relying on personal vehicles for their commute. The average commute time is 22 minutes. The city does offer public transportation through the Phenix City Express (PEX), which provides free fixed-route bus services within city limits and connections to Columbus, Georgia. However, walkability is low, with a Walk Score of 24 out of 100. Traffic congestion in the Columbus-Phenix City area results in an average of 26 hours of delay per auto commuter annually, costing approximately $440 per commuter in 2024.

22 min
Avg Commute
30.00/10
Transit Score
24.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The cost of living in Phenix City is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are notably lower, with a median home sale price of $227,000 in May 2026, and average rent around $1,174 per month.
The city offers free fixed-route bus services through Phenix City Express, providing accessible public transportation within city limits and to Columbus, GA.
New manufacturing investments, such as Sierra Pacific Industries, are creating hundreds of jobs and contributing to economic growth.
Phenix City provides access to a larger metropolitan area (Columbus, GA) for expanded job opportunities, healthcare, and entertainment.
Drawbacks
Phenix City has a high crime rate, with a total crime rate 100% higher than the national average, impacting overall safety.
The city's walkability score is low (24/100), indicating a high reliance on personal vehicles for daily activities.
Employment experienced a decline of -3.15% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting a challenging job market despite new investments.
The poverty rate in Phenix City is high at 24.5% as of 2024.
Traffic congestion in the Columbus-Phenix City area leads to an average of 26 hours of delay per auto commuter annually.

Questions about Phenix City

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

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

Phenix City’s cost‑of‑living index is 90, meaning it is about 10 % cheaper than the U.S. average (which is indexed at 100). With an average salary of $48,000 per year, residents typically find housing, groceries, and utilities less expensive than in many larger metropolitan areas. Your take‑home pay will likely cover basic expenses with a modest amount left for discretionary spending, especially if you choose housing...

What are the main industries hiring in Phenix City? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Phenix City’s employment landscape is anchored by government, education, retail, and healthcare sectors. The presence of a regional medical center and several clinics creates a steady demand for nurses, technicians, and support staff. Additionally, the city’s proximity to a larger metropolitan area brings jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries. For specific openings, browse the city’s workforce deve...

Is Phenix City safe for families? Safety 1 answer

Phenix City’s safety score is 25.0 out of 100, indicating higher crime levels than many U.S. communities. Most incidents are property‑related, such as theft or burglary, with violent crime occurring at lower rates. Residents often mitigate risk by using home security systems, staying aware of neighborhood watch programs, and choosing housing in areas with active community policing. For the most current crime statisti...

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

The average rent in Phenix City is $1,174 per month, which includes a range of unit sizes. One‑bedroom apartments generally fall near that average, though exact prices depend on location, age of the building, and amenities. Neighborhoods closer to downtown or the river tend to be slightly higher, while outlying areas may be lower. To get current listings, check online rental platforms, local classifieds, or contact p...

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

Phenix City is served by a public school district that includes elementary, middle, and high schools. Overall performance metrics are around the state average, with some schools exceeding state benchmarks in math and reading. The district’s website publishes school report cards, standardized test scores, and graduation rates, which can help you compare individual schools. You can also attend open houses or contact th...

What public transportation options exist in Phenix City? Getting Around 1 answer

Phenix City is served by a regional transit authority that operates fixed‑route bus services connecting residential areas with downtown, shopping districts, and neighboring cities. Schedules are posted on the authority’s website and typically run from early morning until early evening on weekdays, with reduced weekend service. There are also paratransit options for seniors and people with disabilities. For longer tri...

Where can I find primary care doctors in Phenix City? Healthcare 1 answer

The city has several medical clinics and a regional hospital that host primary care physicians, pediatricians, and dental practices. Most providers accept major insurance plans and offer same‑day or walk‑in appointments for urgent needs. To locate a doctor, use the state medical board’s provider lookup tool or the insurance company’s directory, filtering by zip code. The city’s health department website also lists co...

What outdoor activities are popular in Phenix City? Things to Do 1 answer

Phenix City sits along a major river, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and riverside walking trails. There are several city parks with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and paved paths suitable for family outings and jogging. Nearby nature preserves provide hiking trails ranging from easy loops to more rugged terrain. The city’s recreation department maintains a calendar of events, including outdoor concerts...

What utilities should I set up before moving to Phenix City? Moving Here 1 answer

Before moving, arrange for electricity, water, natural gas (if applicable), internet, and trash collection. The city’s public works department handles water and sewer services, while regional utility companies supply electricity and gas. You can set up accounts online or by phone, typically requiring a recent utility bill and a security deposit. For broadband, the major providers in the area offer cable, fiber, and D...

What’s the overall vibe of living in Phenix City? General 1 answer

Phenix City blends small‑town charm with easy access to a larger metropolitan area across the river. Residents enjoy a slower pace, affordable housing, and a community‑oriented atmosphere, while still being within commuting distance of broader employment, cultural, and entertainment options. The city hosts regular festivals, farmers’ markets, and local sports events that foster neighborly interaction. While the safet...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Phenix City? 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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