Brighton, AL
Population 3,091 · Alabama
About Brighton, AL
Brighton is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 3,091 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,219 per year, which is 52% 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 Brighton features a median home value of $72,800, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brighton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $668, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,607 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (910 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (317 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brighton shows an unemployment rate of 15.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 38.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brighton have an average one-way commute time of 25.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.8% of Brighton 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 25.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 11.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brighton Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Brighton, AL
Compared to national averages, Brighton has a median household income of $36,219 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,800, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $668 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Brighton's income is 38% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 54% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Brighton, AL?
Brighton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $668/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,219) that falls below the national average. However, Brighton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brighton has a population of 3,091 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Brighton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Brighton
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bon Secour | 3,094 | $60,833 | $266,100 | Compare |
| Choccolocco | 3,120 | $76,898 | $248,200 | Compare |
| Underwood-Petersville | 3,049 | $43,000 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Dadeville | 3,034 | $57,240 | $163,500 | Compare |
| Marion | 2,994 | $38,221 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Warrior | 3,204 | $56,133 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Red Bay | 3,213 | $35,587 | $105,500 | Compare |
| Huguley | 2,944 | $43,736 | $127,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brighton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brighton
What is the population of Brighton, AL?
The population of Brighton, AL is 3,091 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Brighton?
The median household income in Brighton, AL is $36,219 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brighton?
The median home value in Brighton, AL is $72,800, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brighton?
The median monthly rent in Brighton, AL is $668, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brighton?
The unemployment rate in Brighton, AL is 15.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brighton, AL a good place to live?
Brighton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,091 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brighton, AL?
8.8% of residents in Brighton 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 Brighton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brighton, AL: median home value is $72,800 (70% below national), median rent is $668/month, and median household income is $36,219. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brighton?
The poverty rate in Brighton, AL is 38.6%, 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 Brighton, AL?
Brighton's population is 25.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 65.6% two or more races. 11.4% of residents are foreign-born.