Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Oxford, Alabama is a mid-sized city with a population of 21,765 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (75% White). Given that fact, Oxford could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Oxford is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 23 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Oxford, Alabama could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Oxford and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.
Oxford has a livability score of 74/100 and is ranked #18 in Alabama and #4,074 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Oxford ranks well for cost of living (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+).
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. Oxford shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 145 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.
The unemployment rate in Oxford has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.3%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Oxford excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Oxford is actually affordable. The median home price for Oxford homes is $259,662, which is 10.2% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Oxford, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 22.2% lower 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 | Oxford | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.4% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.9% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.3% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.1% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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