Montgomery, AL
Population 198,440 · Alabama
About Montgomery, AL
Montgomery is a major city located in Alabama with a population of 198,440 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,687 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Montgomery features a median home value of $148,500, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Montgomery in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,059, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 94,157 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (43,705 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (36,835 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Montgomery shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Montgomery have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.5% of Montgomery 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 2.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Montgomery experiences an annual average temperature of 67.3°F with 47.97" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 94°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 43°F (December–January).
How Montgomery Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Montgomery, AL
Compared to national averages, Montgomery has a median household income of $55,687 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $148,500, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,059 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Montgomery's income is 4% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 7% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Montgomery, AL?
Montgomery offers affordable housing with a median home value of $148,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,059/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,687) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Montgomery provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Montgomery has a population of 198,440 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Montgomery with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Montgomery
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 199,322 | $44,376 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Mobile | 185,097 | $51,090 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Huntsville | 218,814 | $70,778 | $263,100 | Compare |
| Tuscaloosa | 107,699 | $48,536 | $236,600 | Compare |
| Hoover | 92,401 | $107,822 | $391,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 78,738 | $56,123 | $342,400 | Compare |
| Dothan | 71,118 | $55,052 | $186,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 58,335 | $131,436 | $367,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Montgomery
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 69 | 70 | 77 | 83 | 89 | 94 | 94 | 89 | 77 | 67 | 61 |
| Low °F | 44 | 51 | 51 | 56 | 63 | 69 | 74 | 75 | 68 | 57 | 48 | 43 |
| Rain " | 3.7 | 4.6 | 7.3 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 5.1 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Montgomery With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Montgomery
What is the population of Montgomery, AL?
The population of Montgomery, AL is 198,440 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Montgomery?
The median household income in Montgomery, AL is $55,687 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Montgomery?
The median home value in Montgomery, AL is $148,500, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Montgomery?
The median monthly rent in Montgomery, AL is $1,059, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Montgomery?
The unemployment rate in Montgomery, AL is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to live?
Montgomery offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 198,440 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Montgomery, AL?
33.5% of residents in Montgomery 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 Montgomery?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Montgomery, AL: median home value is $148,500 (39% below national), median rent is $1,059/month, and median household income is $55,687. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Montgomery?
The poverty rate in Montgomery, AL is 20.9%, 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 Montgomery, AL?
Montgomery's population is 2.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 62.8% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.