Gardendale, AL
Population 16,110 · Alabama
About Gardendale, AL
Gardendale is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 16,110 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,215 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gardendale features a median home value of $234,900, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gardendale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,151, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,379 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (5,090 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (1,166 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gardendale shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gardendale have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.0% of Gardendale 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 0.7% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Gardendale experiences an annual average temperature of 64°F with 54.63" 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 41°F (December–January).
How Gardendale Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Gardendale, AL
Compared to national averages, Gardendale has a median household income of $81,215 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,900, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,151 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Gardendale's income is 40% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 47% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Gardendale, AL?
Gardendale offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,215, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $234,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,151/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 36.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average.
Gardendale has a population of 16,110 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Gardendale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Gardendale
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Point | 16,125 | $52,401 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Saraland | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Gulf Shores | 15,785 | $73,873 | $367,000 | Compare |
| Chelsea | 15,731 | $110,056 | $339,400 | Compare |
| Hueytown | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Scottsboro | 15,641 | $52,949 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Hartselle | 15,586 | $67,863 | $192,200 | Compare |
| Muscle Shoals | 16,670 | $70,927 | $198,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Gardendale
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 65 | 67 | 71 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 74 | 65 | 58 |
| Low °F | 42 | 47 | 47 | 52 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 3.6 | 3.1 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Gardendale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardendale
What is the population of Gardendale, AL?
The population of Gardendale, AL is 16,110 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 Gardendale?
The median household income in Gardendale, AL is $81,215 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gardendale?
The median home value in Gardendale, AL is $234,900, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gardendale?
The median monthly rent in Gardendale, AL is $1,151, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gardendale?
The unemployment rate in Gardendale, AL is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gardendale, AL a good place to live?
Gardendale offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,110 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gardendale, AL?
36.0% of residents in Gardendale 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 Gardendale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gardendale, AL: median home value is $234,900 (4% below national), median rent is $1,151/month, and median household income is $81,215. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gardendale?
The poverty rate in Gardendale, AL is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gardendale, AL?
Gardendale's population is 0.7% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 21.9% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.