Muscle Shoals, AL
Population 16,670 · Alabama
About Muscle Shoals, AL
Muscle Shoals is a mid-sized city in Alabama with a population of 16,670 residents. The median household income is $70,927 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Muscle Shoals is 37.2 years.
Housing in Muscle Shoals has a median home value of $198,300 and median monthly rent of $939. Of the 7,118 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,608 owner-occupied and 2,090 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Muscle Shoals is 2.4% and the poverty rate is 10.4%. 24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.7 minutes.
How Muscle Shoals Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Muscle Shoals, AL
Compared to national averages, Muscle Shoals has a median household income of $70,927 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,300, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $939 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Muscle Shoals's income is 22% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 24% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Muscle Shoals, AL?
Muscle Shoals offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $939/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,927) that falls below the national average. However, Muscle Shoals’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Muscle Shoals has a population of 16,670 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Muscle Shoals with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Muscle Shoals
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hueytown | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Millbrook | 16,923 | $64,522 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Saraland | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Calera | 17,188 | $82,441 | $214,200 | Compare |
| Center Point | 16,125 | $52,401 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Gardendale | 16,110 | $81,215 | $234,900 | Compare |
| Selma | 17,442 | $32,184 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Gulf Shores | 15,785 | $73,873 | $367,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Muscle Shoals
What is the population of Muscle Shoals, AL?
The population of Muscle Shoals, AL is 16,670 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Muscle Shoals?
The median household income in Muscle Shoals, AL is $70,927 per year.
What is the median home value in Muscle Shoals?
The median home value in Muscle Shoals, AL is $198,300.
What is the average rent in Muscle Shoals?
The median monthly rent in Muscle Shoals, AL is $939.
What is the unemployment rate in Muscle Shoals?
The unemployment rate in Muscle Shoals, AL is 2.4%.