Red Bay, AL
Population 3,213 · Alabama
About Red Bay, AL
Red Bay is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 3,213 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,587 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Red Bay features a median home value of $105,500, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Red Bay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $565, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,811 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (927 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (566 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Bay shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Red Bay have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Red Bay 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 0.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 10.2% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Red Bay, AL
Compared to national averages, Red Bay has a median household income of $35,587 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,500, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $565 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Red Bay's income is 39% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 34% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Red Bay, AL?
Red Bay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $565/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,587) that falls below the national average. However, Red Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Bay has a population of 3,213 with a median age of 48.5 years. Compare Red Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Red Bay
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | 3,204 | $56,133 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Livingston | 3,243 | $24,491 | $163,300 | Compare |
| Hanceville | 3,255 | $39,894 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Union Springs | 3,287 | $25,828 | $77,300 | Compare |
| Choccolocco | 3,120 | $76,898 | $248,200 | Compare |
| Weaver | 3,323 | $74,458 | $140,500 | Compare |
| East Brewton | 3,325 | $43,070 | $87,300 | Compare |
| Bon Secour | 3,094 | $60,833 | $266,100 | 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.
Compare Red Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Bay
What is the population of Red Bay, AL?
The population of Red Bay, AL is 3,213 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Red Bay?
The median household income in Red Bay, AL is $35,587 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Bay?
The median home value in Red Bay, AL is $105,500, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Red Bay?
The median monthly rent in Red Bay, AL is $565, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Bay?
The unemployment rate in Red Bay, AL is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Red Bay, AL a good place to live?
Red Bay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,213 and a median age of 48.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Red Bay, AL?
17.1% of residents in Red Bay 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 Red Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Bay, AL: median home value is $105,500 (57% below national), median rent is $565/month, and median household income is $35,587. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Red Bay?
The poverty rate in Red Bay, AL is 20.6%, 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 Red Bay, AL?
Red Bay's population is 0.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 10.2% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.