Anniston, AL
Population 21,377 · Alabama
About Anniston, AL
Anniston is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 21,377 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,806 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Anniston features a median home value of $141,600, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Anniston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $777, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,749 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (5,581 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (3,863 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Anniston shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Anniston have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Anniston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Anniston experiences an annual average temperature of 63.6°F with 49.4" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 90°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 41°F (December–January).
How Anniston Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Anniston, AL
Compared to national averages, Anniston has a median household income of $44,806 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,600, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $777 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Anniston's income is 23% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 11% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Anniston, AL?
Anniston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $777/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,806) that falls below the national average. However, Anniston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Anniston has a population of 21,377 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Anniston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Anniston
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | 21,452 | $109,590 | $292,700 | Compare |
| Oxford | 22,063 | $70,065 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Mountain Brook | 22,160 | $191,128 | $891,300 | Compare |
| Foley | 22,330 | $67,346 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Albertville | 22,584 | $57,103 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Fairhope | 23,360 | $86,509 | $406,500 | Compare |
| Prichard | 19,121 | $35,331 | $79,900 | Compare |
| Cullman | 18,894 | $63,704 | $215,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Anniston
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 65 | 67 | 72 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 90 | 85 | 74 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 42 | 47 | 46 | 52 | 60 | 66 | 70 | 71 | 64 | 54 | 45 | 40 |
| Rain " | 5.9 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 5.4 | 4.0 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 2.4 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Anniston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Anniston
What is the population of Anniston, AL?
The population of Anniston, AL is 21,377 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Anniston?
The median household income in Anniston, AL is $44,806 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Anniston?
The median home value in Anniston, AL is $141,600, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Anniston?
The median monthly rent in Anniston, AL is $777, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Anniston?
The unemployment rate in Anniston, AL is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Anniston, AL a good place to live?
Anniston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,377 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Anniston, AL?
21.5% of residents in Anniston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Anniston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Anniston, AL: median home value is $141,600 (42% below national), median rent is $777/month, and median household income is $44,806. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Anniston?
The poverty rate in Anniston, AL is 20.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Anniston, AL?
Anniston's population is 3.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 49.1% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.