Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
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.
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.
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.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
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.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Located in the state of Alabama, Bessemer is a medium-sized city with a population of 27,005 residents. With a total of 73%, the Black or African American racial group makes up the majority of the population in Bessemer. The next most represented races are 22% White and 0% Asian. Bessemer is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 41%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Bessemer your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Bessemer, Alabama. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Bessemer and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.
With a livability score of 58 out of 100, Bessemer is ranked #20,236 in the United States and #339 in Alabama. Compared to the US average, this area has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. Based on the scores for each individual category, Bessemer has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Unfortunately for Bessemer, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), education (D-) and employment (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bessemer apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 Bessemer is real estate affordability. The median home price for Bessemer homes is $180,763, which is 23.3% lower than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bessemer, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 13.9% higher than the Alabama average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Bessemer | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.8% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.2% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.0% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.8% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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