Brookside, AL
Population 1,200 · Alabama
About Brookside, AL
Brookside is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,200 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,750 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.6 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 Brookside features a median home value of $108,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brookside one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 549 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (342 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (178 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brookside shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 28.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brookside have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.0% of Brookside 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brookside, AL
Compared to national averages, Brookside has a median household income of $43,750 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,700, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Brookside's income is 25% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 32% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Brookside, AL?
Brookside offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,750) that falls below the national average. However, Brookside’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brookside has a population of 1,200 with a median age of 45.6 years. Compare Brookside with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Brookside
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclectic | 1,201 | $49,250 | $157,500 | Compare |
| Altoona | 1,211 | $36,694 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Double Springs | 1,188 | $32,250 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Gallant | 1,215 | $53,698 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Douglas | 1,153 | $56,406 | $169,000 | Compare |
| Coker | 1,152 | $69,931 | $203,800 | Compare |
| Fyffe | 1,250 | $32,407 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Ballplay | 1,149 | $60,825 | $152,800 | 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 Brookside With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brookside
What is the population of Brookside, AL?
The population of Brookside, AL is 1,200 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 Brookside?
The median household income in Brookside, AL is $43,750 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brookside?
The median home value in Brookside, AL is $108,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brookside?
The median monthly rent in Brookside, AL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookside?
The unemployment rate in Brookside, AL is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brookside, AL a good place to live?
Brookside offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,200 and a median age of 45.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brookside, AL?
11.0% of residents in Brookside 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 Brookside?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brookside, AL: median home value is $108,700 (56% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $43,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brookside?
The poverty rate in Brookside, AL is 28.0%, 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 Brookside, AL?
Brookside's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 41.7% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.