Cost of Living in Childersburg, AL

Population 4,694 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Childersburg a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $131,000. At 9.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 30 miles southeast of Birmingham, Childersburg falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Birmingham's $139,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 43
Rent 61

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Childersburg

The median home value in Childersburg is $131,300 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $795/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,178/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Childersburg has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$131,300
57% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$796,154
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$795/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$688
2 BR
$857
3 BR
$1,132
4 BR
$1,309
Owner-occupied 65.6%
Renter-occupied 34.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$795
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,409/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.8 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.5%
Carpooled
13.8%
Work from home
1.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 5.2%
Property Tax 0.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$49,178
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,363
Unemployment Rate
9.1%
90% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
Labor Force Participation
58.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.9%
Graduate degree 2.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.4
Male median age 31.1
Female median age 42.4

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Childersburg, AL?

Childersburg has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Childersburg, AL?

The median gross rent in Childersburg is $795 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Childersburg?

The median home value in Childersburg is $131,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Childersburg?

The median household income in Childersburg is $49,178 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Childersburg, AL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Childersburg is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Childersburg, AL affordable?

Yes, Childersburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

Childersburg at a Glance

Population
4,694
Median Income
$49,178
Home Value
$131,300
Median Rent
$795/mo
Unemployment
9.1%
Sales Tax
9.2%
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