Phenix City, AL
Population 38,477 · Alabama
About Phenix City, AL
Phenix City is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 38,477 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,715 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Phenix City features a median home value of $160,000, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Phenix City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $926, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,671 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (8,428 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (7,948 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Phenix City shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Phenix City have an average one-way commute time of 21 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.3% of Phenix City 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 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Phenix City experiences an annual average temperature of 66.5°F with 48.72" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 93°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 43°F (December–January).
How Phenix City Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Phenix City, AL
Compared to national averages, Phenix City has a median household income of $49,715 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $160,000, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $926 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Phenix City's income is 14% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 0% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Phenix City, AL?
Phenix City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $160,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $926/month, and short commute times averaging just 21 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,715) that falls below the national average. However, Phenix City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Phenix City has a population of 38,477 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Phenix City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Phenix City
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vestavia Hills | 38,704 | $129,171 | $494,500 | Compare |
| Prattville | 38,850 | $79,396 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Florence | 41,231 | $50,396 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Alabaster | 33,633 | $90,163 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Gadsden | 33,617 | $38,699 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Opelika | 31,944 | $58,763 | $213,700 | Compare |
| Northport | 30,991 | $77,781 | $258,800 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 28,990 | $68,306 | $198,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Phenix City
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 68 | 71 | 76 | 83 | 88 | 92 | 95 | 88 | 75 | 66 | 60 |
| Low °F | 44 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 62 | 68 | 73 | 74 | 67 | 55 | 48 | 42 |
| Rain " | 6.0 | 3.5 | 6.5 | 6.1 | 3.0 | 6.7 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 3.9 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Phenix City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Phenix City
What is the population of Phenix City, AL?
The population of Phenix City, AL is 38,477 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 Phenix City?
The median household income in Phenix City, AL is $49,715 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Phenix City?
The median home value in Phenix City, AL is $160,000, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Phenix City?
The median monthly rent in Phenix City, AL is $926, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Phenix City?
The unemployment rate in Phenix City, AL is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Phenix City, AL a good place to live?
Phenix City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,477 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Phenix City, AL?
23.3% of residents in Phenix City 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 Phenix City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Phenix City, AL: median home value is $160,000 (35% below national), median rent is $926/month, and median household income is $49,715. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Phenix City?
The poverty rate in Phenix City, AL is 23.8%, 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 Phenix City, AL?
Phenix City's population is 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 45.6% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.