Whether you’re considering a move to North Alabama, already reside in the area, or want to compare cities across the United States, understanding key indicators can provide valuable insights. In this discussion, we’ll focus on three important factors regarding the Huntsville metro area: total population, median income, and cost of living.
Total Population
When comparing cities, it’s essential to consider the major metro area, including the city center and surrounding suburbs. In the Huntsville Greater Metro Area, the total population is just under 500,000 people. Nashville, a city we’ll use for comparison, has a population of approximately 2 million. Chattanooga stands at 421,000, and the Greater Birmingham Metro Area, located about an hour and a half south of Huntsville, has around 1.1 million residents.
Median Income
Examining median income provides insights into the economic well-being of a region. Here are the median income figures for Huntsville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Birmingham. In Huntsville, the median income is about $77,000 per year, while Nashville is at $72,000. Chattanooga’s median income is $62,000, and when compared to the state of Alabama, the median income is approximately $51,000.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is a crucial statistic frequently used to compare cities. Huntsville recently achieved the top ranking in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Places to Live,” partly due to its favorable cost of living. Housing plays a significant role in this assessment. In the Huntsville greater metro area, housing prices are about 26% lower than the national average. Utilities, including electricity, water, and natural gas, are approximately 2% lower, while gas prices are roughly 8% lower than the national average.
Conclusion
Understanding key indicators such as total population, median income, and cost of living is crucial when considering a relocation or comparing cities. The Huntsville metro area, with its population of under 500,000, offers favorable median income levels, with a median income of $77,000. Additionally, the region boasts a cost of living advantage, with housing prices around 26% lower than the national average, and utilities and gas prices below average as well. Whether you’re looking for economic opportunities, affordability, or a vibrant community, Huntsville proves to be an attractive destination.