Valley, AL
Population 10,406 · Alabama
About Valley, AL
Valley is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 10,406 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,422 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 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 Valley features a median home value of $130,500, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Valley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,024, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,881 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (2,449 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,589 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valley shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Valley have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Valley 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 2.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Valley experiences an annual average temperature of 65°F with 50.12" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 93°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 42°F (December–January).
Cost of Living in Valley, AL
Compared to national averages, Valley has a median household income of $55,422 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,500, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,024 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Valley's income is 4% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 18% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Valley, AL?
Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,024/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,422) that falls below the national average. However, Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valley has a population of 10,406 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Valley
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Fort | 10,377 | $101,574 | $314,000 | Compare |
| Clay | 10,288 | $86,163 | $198,400 | Compare |
| Meridianville | 10,268 | $93,030 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Rainbow City | 10,213 | $59,659 | $203,600 | Compare |
| Pike Road | 10,103 | $121,687 | $375,000 | Compare |
| Saks | 10,727 | $50,529 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Russellville | 10,783 | $52,529 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Boaz | 10,847 | $49,962 | $158,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Valley
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 67 | 69 | 74 | 81 | 87 | 93 | 93 | 87 | 74 | 65 | 59 |
| Low °F | 43 | 49 | 49 | 54 | 61 | 66 | 72 | 72 | 65 | 55 | 46 | 41 |
| Rain " | 6.3 | 4.8 | 7.7 | 6.1 | 2.1 | 5.9 | 5.0 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 2.4 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley
What is the population of Valley, AL?
The population of Valley, AL is 10,406 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 Valley?
The median household income in Valley, AL is $55,422 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valley?
The median home value in Valley, AL is $130,500, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valley?
The median monthly rent in Valley, AL is $1,024, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valley?
The unemployment rate in Valley, AL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Valley, AL a good place to live?
Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,406 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Valley, AL?
17.6% of residents in Valley 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 Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valley, AL: median home value is $130,500 (47% below national), median rent is $1,024/month, and median household income is $55,422. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Valley?
The poverty rate in Valley, AL is 14.4%, 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 Valley, AL?
Valley's population is 2.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 37.5% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.