Shorter, AL
Population 328 · Alabama
About Shorter, AL
Shorter is a small community located in Alabama with a population of 328 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,250 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61.6 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 Shorter features a median home value of $85,000, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shorter one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 175 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (121 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (29 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shorter shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 31.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shorter have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Shorter 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, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shorter, AL
Compared to national averages, Shorter has a median household income of $31,250 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,000, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Shorter's income is 46% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 47% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Shorter, AL?
Shorter offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,250) that falls below the national average. However, Shorter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shorter has a population of 328 with a median age of 61.6 years. Compare Shorter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
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Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shorter
What is the population of Shorter, AL?
The population of Shorter, AL is 328 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Shorter?
The median household income in Shorter, AL is $31,250 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shorter?
The median home value in Shorter, AL is $85,000, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shorter?
The median monthly rent in Shorter, AL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shorter?
The unemployment rate in Shorter, AL is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shorter, AL a good place to live?
Shorter offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 328 and a median age of 61.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Shorter, AL?
10.9% of residents in Shorter 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 Shorter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shorter, AL: median home value is $85,000 (65% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $31,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shorter?
The poverty rate in Shorter, AL is 31.1%, 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 Shorter, AL?
Shorter's population is 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 69.8% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.