City profile
Fort Payne, AL
DeKalb County · Population 14,927
Fort Payne is a town in DeKalb County, AL with about 14,927 residents and a typical home value near $157,000. It is 54 miles from Huntsville, AL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Mild & temperate
Winter avg
43°F
Summer avg
80°F
Sunny days / yr
207
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$157,000
Typical monthly housing
$905
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
73
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.40%
- State income tax (top)
- 5%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 9.29%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 80/100
Top hazards: Strong wind, Tornado, Cold wave
Nearest major airport
87 mi to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 13% Democratic / 87% Republican
Community
Population
14,927
Black population
1.3%
County
DeKalb County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸AL is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), tornadoes
Highlights
- About 14,927 residents
- Typical home value about $157,000
- 54 miles from Huntsville, AL
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.