Rainbow City, AL
Population 10,213 · Alabama
About Rainbow City, AL
Rainbow City is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 10,213 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,659 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rainbow City features a median home value of $203,600, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rainbow City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $998, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,565 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (2,484 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,393 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rainbow City shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rainbow City have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.8% of Rainbow 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 2.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Rainbow City experiences an annual average temperature of 63.1°F with 52.63" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 39°F (December–January).
Cost of Living in Rainbow City, AL
Compared to national averages, Rainbow City has a median household income of $59,659 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $203,600, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $998 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Rainbow City's income is 3% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 28% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Rainbow City, AL?
Rainbow City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $203,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $998/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,659) that falls below the national average. However, Rainbow City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rainbow City has a population of 10,213 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Rainbow City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Rainbow City
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridianville | 10,268 | $93,030 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Clay | 10,288 | $86,163 | $198,400 | Compare |
| Pike Road | 10,103 | $121,687 | $375,000 | Compare |
| Spanish Fort | 10,377 | $101,574 | $314,000 | Compare |
| Valley | 10,406 | $55,422 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 9,846 | $48,492 | $120,100 | Compare |
| Fultondale | 9,753 | $69,127 | $181,900 | Compare |
| Saks | 10,727 | $50,529 | $113,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Rainbow City
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 65 | 66 | 71 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 90 | 84 | 73 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 71 | 71 | 64 | 54 | 45 | 38 |
| Rain " | 7.8 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 6.9 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 3.6 | 4.2 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rainbow City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow City
What is the population of Rainbow City, AL?
The population of Rainbow City, AL is 10,213 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 Rainbow City?
The median household income in Rainbow City, AL is $59,659 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rainbow City?
The median home value in Rainbow City, AL is $203,600, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rainbow City?
The median monthly rent in Rainbow City, AL is $998, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rainbow City?
The unemployment rate in Rainbow City, AL is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rainbow City, AL a good place to live?
Rainbow City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,213 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rainbow City, AL?
21.8% of residents in Rainbow 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 Rainbow City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rainbow City, AL: median home value is $203,600 (17% below national), median rent is $998/month, and median household income is $59,659. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rainbow City?
The poverty rate in Rainbow City, AL is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rainbow City, AL?
Rainbow City's population is 2.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 9.6% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.