Cost of Living in Emerald Mountain, AL

Population 3,387 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

96
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Emerald Mountain sits on the smaller end of the Alabama city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 12 miles northeast of Montgomery, Emerald Mountain falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 98% higher than Montgomery's $149,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 96

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

About the Cost of Living in Emerald Mountain

The median home value in Emerald Mountain is $294,100 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $125,341/year is 68% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below 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, Emerald Mountain has a cost of living index of 96 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$294,100
4% below avg
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 96.7%
Renter-occupied 3.3%

🛒 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
27.0 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.2%
Carpooled
6.4%
Walked
12.6%
Work from home
6.1%

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
$125,341
68% above avg
Per Capita Income
$48,962
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
54% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
Labor Force Participation
71.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.2%
Graduate degree 16.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33
Male median age 42.5
Female median age 32.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 38 — Good
92.9%
Good air days/yr
90
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
238
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Emerald Mountain, AL?

Emerald Mountain has a cost index of 96 (100 = national average). It is 4% below the national average.

What is the average home price in Emerald Mountain?

The median home value in Emerald Mountain is $294,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Emerald Mountain?

The median household income in Emerald Mountain is $125,341 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Emerald Mountain, AL?

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

Is Emerald Mountain, AL affordable?

Emerald Mountain is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 96 (100 = US average).

Emerald Mountain at a Glance

Population
3,387
Median Income
$125,341
Home Value
$294,100
Unemployment
2.2%
Sales Tax
9.2%
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🗺️ County data for Alabama

Explore county-level cost of living data

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