Sheffield, AL
Population 9,334 · Alabama
About Sheffield, AL
Sheffield is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 9,334 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,097 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sheffield features a median home value of $127,100, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sheffield one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,088 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (2,562 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,824 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sheffield shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 25.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sheffield have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Sheffield 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 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sheffield, AL
Compared to national averages, Sheffield has a median household income of $42,097 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,100, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Sheffield's income is 27% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 20% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Sheffield, AL?
Sheffield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,097) that falls below the national average. However, Sheffield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sheffield has a population of 9,334 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Sheffield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Sheffield
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southside | 9,407 | $73,695 | $202,900 | Compare |
| Pleasant Grove | 9,502 | $68,344 | $189,100 | Compare |
| Forestdale | 9,149 | $57,145 | $150,700 | Compare |
| Tuscumbia | 9,084 | $47,342 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Tuskegee | 9,070 | $38,160 | $98,500 | Compare |
| Meadowbrook | 8,939 | $145,464 | $390,100 | Compare |
| Fultondale | 9,753 | $69,127 | $181,900 | Compare |
| Clanton | 8,862 | $49,952 | $158,200 | 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 Sheffield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheffield
What is the population of Sheffield, AL?
The population of Sheffield, AL is 9,334 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 Sheffield?
The median household income in Sheffield, AL is $42,097 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sheffield?
The median home value in Sheffield, AL is $127,100, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sheffield?
The median monthly rent in Sheffield, AL is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sheffield?
The unemployment rate in Sheffield, AL is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sheffield, AL a good place to live?
Sheffield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,334 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sheffield, AL?
15.9% of residents in Sheffield 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 Sheffield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sheffield, AL: median home value is $127,100 (48% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $42,097. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sheffield?
The poverty rate in Sheffield, AL is 25.7%, 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 Sheffield, AL?
Sheffield's population is 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 26.4% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.