City profile
Huntsville, AL
Rocket City — a booming tech hub with affordable living, good safety, and low property taxes.
Climate
Climate type
Mild & temperate
Winter avg
42°F
Summer avg
80°F
Sunny days / yr
207
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$290,000
Typical monthly housing
$1,500
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
89
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 High · county score 95/100
Top hazards: Tornado, Strong wind, Lightning
Nearest major airport
81 mi to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 42% Democratic / 57% Republican
Demographics (Census ACS)
Population (2024)
222,791
Growth since 2019
+13.5%
Median age
36.9
Residents 65+
16.8%
Median household income
$74,714
Income growth since 2019
+35.1%
Black household income
$48,682
Home ownership
58.3%
Poverty rate
12.6%
Poverty rate, 65+
9.5%
Race & ethnicity: Black 28.8% · White 55.9% · Hispanic 8.0% · Asian 2.1% · Other 5.2%
Crime (per 100,000 residents, 2025)
Violent crime
399 · 21% above the national average
Property crime
2,297 · 48% above the national average
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Huntsville Police Department. State average: violent 353, property 1,502.
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
- ▸Part of the New Great Migration — a growing Black community in the South
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), tornadoes
Highlights
- Very low property taxes
- Alabama A&M University (HBCU)
- Safe neighborhoods
- Booming job market
Trade-offs
- Limited walkability
- Limited public transit
- Smaller cultural scene
- Hot summers
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.