Decatur, AL
Population 57,760 · Alabama
About Decatur, AL
Decatur is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 57,760 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,831 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Decatur features a median home value of $190,500, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Decatur in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $861, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 25,654 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (15,056 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (8,832 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Decatur shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Decatur have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Decatur 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 10.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Decatur experiences an annual average temperature of 63.7°F with 47.92" 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 40°F (December–January).
How Decatur Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Decatur, AL
Compared to national averages, Decatur has a median household income of $59,831 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $190,500, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $861 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Decatur's income is 3% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 20% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Decatur, AL?
Decatur offers affordable housing with a median home value of $190,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $861/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,831) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Decatur provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Decatur has a population of 57,760 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Decatur with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Decatur
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 58,335 | $131,436 | $367,900 | Compare |
| Dothan | 71,118 | $55,052 | $186,600 | Compare |
| Florence | 41,231 | $50,396 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Prattville | 38,850 | $79,396 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Vestavia Hills | 38,704 | $129,171 | $494,500 | Compare |
| Phenix City | 38,477 | $49,715 | $160,000 | Compare |
| Auburn | 78,738 | $56,123 | $342,400 | Compare |
| Alabaster | 33,633 | $90,163 | $242,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Decatur
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 64 | 64 | 69 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 85 | 73 | 64 | 57 |
| Low °F | 41 | 45 | 46 | 51 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 72 | 66 | 56 | 47 | 40 |
| Rain " | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 5.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 4.3 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Decatur With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Decatur
What is the population of Decatur, AL?
The population of Decatur, AL is 57,760 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 Decatur?
The median household income in Decatur, AL is $59,831 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur, AL is $190,500, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Decatur?
The median monthly rent in Decatur, AL is $861, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Decatur?
The unemployment rate in Decatur, AL is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live?
Decatur offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 57,760 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Decatur, AL?
22.8% of residents in Decatur 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 Decatur?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Decatur, AL: median home value is $190,500 (22% below national), median rent is $861/month, and median household income is $59,831. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Decatur?
The poverty rate in Decatur, AL is 12.8%, 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 Decatur, AL?
Decatur's population is 10.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 22.1% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.