Cost of Living in Scottsboro, AL

Population 15,641 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Scottsboro is a smaller Alabama community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $52,949 and housing costs ($176,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Scottsboro is about 35 miles east of Huntsville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 58
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Scottsboro

The median home value in Scottsboro is $175,700 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $792/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,949/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 71.5°F and lows of 48.4°F. Overall, Scottsboro has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$175,700
42% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$207,105
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$792/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.5x
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 67.5%
Renter-occupied 32.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$792
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,406/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
23.9 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.0%
Carpooled
6.4%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
5.3%

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
$52,949
29% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,971
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
29% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
Labor Force Participation
51.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.1%
Graduate degree 8.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.3
Male median age 36.3
Female median age 47.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.5°F
Avg Low
48.4°F
Annual Precip
55.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515664737986888883736254
Low °F 303339475664686760483733
Precip" 5.755.665.804.323.644.254.753.334.073.624.415.51

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scottsboro, AL?

Scottsboro has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Scottsboro, AL?

The median gross rent in Scottsboro is $792 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scottsboro?

The median home value in Scottsboro is $175,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Scottsboro?

The median household income in Scottsboro is $52,949 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scottsboro, AL?

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

Is Scottsboro, AL affordable?

Yes, Scottsboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Scottsboro?

Scottsboro has average high temperatures of 71.5°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 55.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Scottsboro at a Glance

Population
15,641
Median Income
$52,949
Home Value
$175,700
Median Rent
$792/mo
Unemployment
3.4%
Avg High Temp
71.5°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
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