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Decatur, AL Metro Area

Decatur, AL · Metro Area

157,747Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 2 counties (1 central, 1 outlying), part of the Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL-TN combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$68,116
Median home value
$202,500
Land area
1,270 sq mi
124 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Morgan County, ALCentral124,471$68,845$212,000
Lawrence County, ALOutlying33,276$66,071$172,300

Largest cities and towns

13 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Decatur, ALCity57,361$61,563
Hartselle, ALCity15,847$76,290
Priceville, ALTown3,726$117,127
Moulton, ALCity3,401$57,813
Trinity, ALTown2,561$100,929
Falkville, ALTown1,606$46,888
Town Creek, ALTown979$43,229
Somerville, ALTown921$49,261
Eva, ALTown845$115,455
Courtland, ALTown723$47,679
Hillsboro, ALTown527$61,818
North Courtland, ALTown427$32,813
Hatton, ALCDP90$250,000+

Also in the Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL-TN combined area

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
13.4%
Unemployment
3.3%
College Educated
21.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$68,116
Mean Household Income
$87,472

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
49.6%
Female
50.4%

Population Split

Male49.6%
Female50.4%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English12.8%
Irish8.5%
German6.4%
Mexican5.7%
Scottish2.1%
Italian1.5%
French0.8%
Polish0.5%
African0.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

4.6%Foreign Born
95.4%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized26.1%
Non-Citizen73.9%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later35.8%
Before 201064.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
69,308
Median Rent
$847/mo
Median Home Value
$202,500
Median Year Built
1984

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
35,213
College Enrollment
15.1%
High School
23.5%
College Educated
21.5%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
26.0 min
Drive Alone Rate
83.1%
Public Transit
0.2%
Work From Home
6.5%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
23.0%
18-34 Years
20.1%
35-64 Years
38.7%
65+ Years
18.2%

Population Composition

Under 1823.0%
18-3420.1%
35-6438.7%
65+18.2%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
48.8%
Single Parent
5.4%
Living Alone
29.6%
Avg Size
2.48

Household Types

Married Couples48.8%
Single Parent5.4%
Living Alone29.6%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$35,213
SNAP Usage
12.9%
Health Insurance
89.7%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k17.0%
$25k - $50k21.1%
$50k - $100k29.8%
$100k+32.1%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
20.9%
Retail Trade
12.4%
Education & Health Care
17.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

18.4%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

89.7%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
84.4%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
91.6%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
87.2
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
170.7
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)