Steele, AL
Population 1,293 · Alabama
About Steele, AL
Steele is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,293 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,000 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Steele features a median home value of $101,700, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Steele one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $744, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 559 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (395 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (47 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Steele shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Steele have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.7% of Steele 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 15.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 8.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Steele, AL
Compared to national averages, Steele has a median household income of $70,000 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,700, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $744 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Steele's income is 21% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 36% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Steele, AL?
Steele offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $744/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,000) that falls below the national average. However, Steele’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Steele has a population of 1,293 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Steele with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Steele
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Market | 1,296 | $71,083 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Woodstock | 1,282 | $71,154 | $190,700 | Compare |
| Magnolia Springs | 1,278 | $93,000 | $399,100 | Compare |
| Locust Fork | 1,312 | $42,045 | $169,600 | Compare |
| Rock Creek | 1,313 | $80,063 | $156,900 | Compare |
| Bear Creek | 1,317 | $36,250 | $95,300 | Compare |
| West Blocton | 1,320 | $37,537 | $107,400 | Compare |
| Susan Moore | 1,323 | $81,875 | $117,600 | 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 Steele With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Steele
What is the population of Steele, AL?
The population of Steele, AL is 1,293 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 Steele?
The median household income in Steele, AL is $70,000 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Steele?
The median home value in Steele, AL is $101,700, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Steele?
The median monthly rent in Steele, AL is $744, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Steele?
The unemployment rate in Steele, AL is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Steele, AL a good place to live?
Steele offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,293 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Steele, AL?
8.7% of residents in Steele 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 Steele?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Steele, AL: median home value is $101,700 (58% below national), median rent is $744/month, and median household income is $70,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Steele?
The poverty rate in Steele, AL is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Steele, AL?
Steele's population is 15.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.6% of residents are foreign-born.