Sylacauga, AL
Population 12,388 · Alabama
About Sylacauga, AL
Sylacauga is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 12,388 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,384 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sylacauga features a median home value of $156,800, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sylacauga in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $717, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,891 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (2,803 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (2,588 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sylacauga shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sylacauga have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.4% of Sylacauga 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 1.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Sylacauga experiences an annual average temperature of 64.1°F with 49.65" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 90°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 42°F (December–January).
Cost of Living in Sylacauga, AL
Compared to national averages, Sylacauga has a median household income of $46,384 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,800, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $717 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Sylacauga's income is 20% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 2% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Sylacauga, AL?
Sylacauga offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $717/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,384) that falls below the national average. However, Sylacauga’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sylacauga has a population of 12,388 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Sylacauga with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Sylacauga
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds | 12,221 | $71,672 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Eufaula | 12,664 | $45,550 | $137,400 | Compare |
| Pell City | 13,353 | $73,043 | $238,100 | Compare |
| Moody | 13,378 | $86,389 | $222,500 | Compare |
| Irondale | 13,462 | $71,240 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Boaz | 10,847 | $49,962 | $158,200 | Compare |
| McCalla | 13,939 | $83,782 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Russellville | 10,783 | $52,529 | $117,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Sylacauga
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 66 | 67 | 72 | 80 | 86 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 73 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 43 | 48 | 47 | 53 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 71 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 41 |
| Rain " | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 6.0 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 2.9 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sylacauga With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylacauga
What is the population of Sylacauga, AL?
The population of Sylacauga, AL is 12,388 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 Sylacauga?
The median household income in Sylacauga, AL is $46,384 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sylacauga?
The median home value in Sylacauga, AL is $156,800, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sylacauga?
The median monthly rent in Sylacauga, AL is $717, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylacauga?
The unemployment rate in Sylacauga, AL is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sylacauga, AL a good place to live?
Sylacauga offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,388 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sylacauga, AL?
16.4% of residents in Sylacauga 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 Sylacauga?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sylacauga, AL: median home value is $156,800 (36% below national), median rent is $717/month, and median household income is $46,384. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sylacauga?
The poverty rate in Sylacauga, AL is 24.9%, 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 Sylacauga, AL?
Sylacauga's population is 1.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 31.1% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.