Alabaster 76 Exceptional
Alabaster Livability #14 ranked city in Alabama#3,512 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Alabaster

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Alabaster?

Located in the state of Alabama, Alabaster is a medium-sized city with a population of 34,559 people. At 72%, the majority of the Alabaster population is White; this is followed by 17% Black and 2% Asian. An important consideration when living in Alabaster is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Alabaster can be a great experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Alabama, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Alabaster and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, employment and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Alabaster has received a livability score of 75 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Alabaster would be considered a very livable city! For each of the livability categories, we know that Alabaster ranks very well for crime (A-), cost of living (B+), education (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Alabaster does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Alabaster shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 99 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Alabaster market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Alabaster is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Alabaster come in at $319,186, which is 35.5% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Alabaster, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 27.8% lower than the Alabama average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Alabaster

See all the best places to live around Alabaster

How Do You Rate The Livability In Alabaster?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Alabaster, AL Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Alabaster transportation information

      Statistic Alabaster Alabama National
      Average one way commute32min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.1%85.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.4%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.1%1.1%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%2.9%4.6%
      Source: The Alabaster, AL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.