Vernon, AL
Population 1,819 · Alabama
About Vernon, AL
Vernon is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,819 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $27,174 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 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 Vernon features a median home value of $112,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Vernon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $464, 60% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,058 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (310 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (474 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Vernon shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Vernon have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Vernon 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 2.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Vernon Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Vernon, AL
Compared to national averages, Vernon has a median household income of $27,174 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,500, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $464 is 60% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Vernon's income is 53% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 29% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Vernon, AL?
Vernon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $464/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($27,174) that falls below the national average. However, Vernon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vernon has a population of 1,819 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Vernon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Vernon
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vance | 1,822 | $76,654 | $208,600 | Compare |
| Sardis City | 1,805 | $59,632 | $207,300 | Compare |
| Collinsville | 1,835 | $31,411 | $0 | Compare |
| Midland City | 1,803 | $35,638 | $153,400 | Compare |
| Malvern | 1,836 | $52,500 | $98,300 | Compare |
| Florala | 1,841 | $34,857 | $81,000 | Compare |
| Carlisle-Rockledge | 1,791 | $59,246 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Point Clear | 1,858 | $45,898 | $888,700 | 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 Vernon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vernon
What is the population of Vernon, AL?
The population of Vernon, AL is 1,819 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 Vernon?
The median household income in Vernon, AL is $27,174 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vernon?
The median home value in Vernon, AL is $112,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Vernon?
The median monthly rent in Vernon, AL is $464, which is 60% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vernon?
The unemployment rate in Vernon, AL is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Vernon, AL a good place to live?
Vernon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,819 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Vernon, AL?
11.7% of residents in Vernon 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 Vernon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vernon, AL: median home value is $112,500 (54% below national), median rent is $464/month, and median household income is $27,174. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Vernon?
The poverty rate in Vernon, AL is 29.5%, 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 Vernon, AL?
Vernon's population is 2.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 19.3% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.