Calera, AL
Population 17,188 · Alabama
About Calera, AL
Calera is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 17,188 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,441 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Calera features a median home value of $214,200, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Calera in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,505, 29% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,611 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (5,124 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (1,297 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Calera shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Calera have an average one-way commute time of 33.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.1% of Calera residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Calera experiences an annual average temperature of 64.8°F with 48.81" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 42°F (December–January).
How Calera Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Calera, AL
Compared to national averages, Calera has a median household income of $82,441 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $214,200, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,505 is 29% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Calera's income is 42% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 34% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Calera, AL?
Calera offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,441, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $214,200, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 37.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average.
Calera has a population of 17,188 with a median age of 32.3 years. Compare Calera with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Calera
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selma | 17,442 | $32,184 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Millbrook | 16,923 | $64,522 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Tillmans Corner | 17,678 | $52,249 | $155,000 | Compare |
| Muscle Shoals | 16,670 | $70,927 | $198,300 | Compare |
| Troy | 17,733 | $47,595 | $214,100 | Compare |
| Hueytown | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Saraland | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Center Point | 16,125 | $52,401 | $130,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Calera
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 66 | 68 | 73 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 92 | 86 | 75 | 65 | 59 |
| Low °F | 42 | 48 | 47 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 41 |
| Rain " | 5.8 | 6.6 | 6.1 | 5.1 | 2.6 | 5.6 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.6 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Calera With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Calera
What is the population of Calera, AL?
The population of Calera, AL is 17,188 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 Calera?
The median household income in Calera, AL is $82,441 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Calera?
The median home value in Calera, AL is $214,200, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Calera?
The median monthly rent in Calera, AL is $1,505, which is 29% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Calera?
The unemployment rate in Calera, AL is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Calera, AL a good place to live?
Calera offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,188 and a median age of 32.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Calera, AL?
37.1% of residents in Calera aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Calera?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Calera, AL: median home value is $214,200 (13% below national), median rent is $1,505/month, and median household income is $82,441. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Calera?
The poverty rate in Calera, AL is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Calera, AL?
Calera's population is 7.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 32.1% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.