City profile
Muscle Shoals, AL
Colbert County · Population 16,951
Muscle Shoals is a town in Colbert County, AL with about 16,951 residents and a typical home value near $200,000. It is 60 miles from Huntsville, AL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
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
$199,700
Typical monthly housing
$1,151
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
78
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 81/100
Top hazards: Strong wind, Earthquake, Cold wave
Nearest major airport
96 mi to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 26% Democratic / 73% Republican
Community
Population
16,951
Black population
15.3%
County
Colbert 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 16,951 residents
- Typical home value about $200,000
- 60 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.