Brilliant, AL
Population 1,078 · Alabama
About Brilliant, AL
Brilliant is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,078 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,877 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.6 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 Brilliant features a median home value of $55,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brilliant one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $445, 62% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 640 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (386 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (177 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brilliant shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brilliant have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.3% of Brilliant 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 2.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brilliant Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Brilliant, AL
Compared to national averages, Brilliant has a median household income of $47,877 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,200, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $445 is 62% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Brilliant's income is 17% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 65% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Brilliant, AL?
Brilliant offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $445/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,877) that falls below the national average. However, Brilliant’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brilliant has a population of 1,078 with a median age of 54.6 years. Compare Brilliant with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Brilliant
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lookout Mountain | 1,074 | $43,472 | $95,500 | Compare |
| Notasulga | 1,074 | $63,333 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Tidmore Bend | 1,086 | $49,688 | $184,700 | Compare |
| Cottonwood | 1,091 | $35,417 | $110,300 | Compare |
| Berry | 1,063 | $48,819 | $103,900 | Compare |
| Parrish | 1,093 | $25,769 | $49,900 | Compare |
| Coosada | 1,060 | $65,614 | $176,200 | Compare |
| Cherokee | 1,059 | $54,107 | $107,200 | 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 Brilliant With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brilliant
What is the population of Brilliant, AL?
The population of Brilliant, AL is 1,078 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 Brilliant?
The median household income in Brilliant, AL is $47,877 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brilliant?
The median home value in Brilliant, AL is $55,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brilliant?
The median monthly rent in Brilliant, AL is $445, which is 62% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brilliant?
The unemployment rate in Brilliant, AL is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brilliant, AL a good place to live?
Brilliant offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,078 and a median age of 54.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brilliant, AL?
7.3% of residents in Brilliant 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 Brilliant?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brilliant, AL: median home value is $55,200 (77% below national), median rent is $445/month, and median household income is $47,877. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brilliant?
The poverty rate in Brilliant, AL is 35.5%, 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 Brilliant, AL?
Brilliant's population is 2.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.