Muscle Shoals, AL
Population 16,670 · Alabama
About Muscle Shoals, AL
Muscle Shoals is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 16,670 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,927 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Muscle Shoals features a median home value of $198,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Muscle Shoals in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $939, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,118 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (4,608 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (2,090 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Muscle Shoals shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Muscle Shoals have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.4% of Muscle Shoals 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 4.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Muscle Shoals experiences an annual average temperature of 63.4°F with 45.59" 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 39°F (December–January).
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
Climate & Weather in Muscle Shoals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 63 | 64 | 69 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 89 | 85 | 75 | 64 | 57 |
| Low °F | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 61 | 67 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 55 | 45 | 39 |
| Rain " | 6.2 | 4.1 | 8.0 | 5.3 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 3.1 | 3.6 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Muscle Shoals With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Muscle Shoals?
The median household income in Muscle Shoals, AL is $70,927 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Muscle Shoals?
The median home value in Muscle Shoals, AL is $198,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Muscle Shoals?
The median monthly rent in Muscle Shoals, AL is $939, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Muscle Shoals?
The unemployment rate in Muscle Shoals, AL is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Muscle Shoals, AL a good place to live?
Muscle Shoals offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,670 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Muscle Shoals, AL?
24.4% of residents in Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Muscle Shoals, AL: median home value is $198,300 (19% below national), median rent is $939/month, and median household income is $70,927. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Muscle Shoals?
The poverty rate in Muscle Shoals, AL is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Muscle Shoals, AL?
Muscle Shoals's population is 4.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 13.3% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.