Sylvania, AL
Population 2,005 · Alabama
About Sylvania, AL
Sylvania is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 2,005 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,973 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sylvania features a median home value of $129,400, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sylvania one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $638, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 816 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (478 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (227 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sylvania shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sylvania have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.9% of Sylvania 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 9.3% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sylvania, AL
Compared to national averages, Sylvania has a median household income of $53,973 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,400, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $638 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Sylvania's income is 7% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 19% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Sylvania, AL?
Sylvania offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $638/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,973) that falls below the national average. However, Sylvania’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sylvania has a population of 2,005 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Sylvania with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Sylvania
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slocomb | 1,995 | $38,988 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Bayou La Batre | 1,977 | $40,667 | $87,500 | Compare |
| Camden | 2,056 | $38,864 | $110,100 | Compare |
| Stevenson | 1,947 | $48,214 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Dauphin Island | 1,944 | $64,615 | $387,400 | Compare |
| Grove Hill | 1,940 | $49,223 | $151,400 | Compare |
| Wilsonville | 2,097 | $65,417 | $238,500 | Compare |
| Whitesboro | 2,098 | $66,215 | $117,900 | 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 Sylvania With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylvania
What is the population of Sylvania, AL?
The population of Sylvania, AL is 2,005 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 Sylvania?
The median household income in Sylvania, AL is $53,973 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sylvania?
The median home value in Sylvania, AL is $129,400, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sylvania?
The median monthly rent in Sylvania, AL is $638, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylvania?
The unemployment rate in Sylvania, AL is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sylvania, AL a good place to live?
Sylvania offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,005 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sylvania, AL?
20.9% of residents in Sylvania 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 Sylvania?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sylvania, AL: median home value is $129,400 (47% below national), median rent is $638/month, and median household income is $53,973. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sylvania?
The poverty rate in Sylvania, AL is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sylvania, AL?
Sylvania's population is 9.3% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.