Living in Decatur AL 😍 Cost of Living, Crime Rate, & Moving to Decatur Guide

Are you thinking of living in Dectur AL? Our moving to Decatur guide explores the cost of living, its overall safety, and the best neighborhoods. Decatur is a city within Morgan County that’sknown as "The River City." It’s a major boating destination. The city also hosts Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and puts on the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic.

What Is the History of Decatur AL?

With its founding in 1817, Decatur is a historic place to call home. It was then, Rhodes Fields Landing, and has flourished from a conservative riverside community to a large city with a $8.84 billion Gross Domestic Product.

Notable landmarks representing the area's history include the State Bank (Built in 1833), the Decatur Union Depot, and the Princess Theatre.  

Where Is Decatur AL?

Decatur is located in northwestern Morgan County, with parts extending into Limestone County. It’s positioned along the banks of the Tennessee River, within the Tennessee Valley. As part of the Tennessee Valley, it’s only 25.7 miles from Decatur to Huntsville, and Birmingham is 86 miles south. Living in Decatur AL provides easy access to Interstate 65 (I‑65), Interstate 72 (I‑72), and U.S. Highway 31 (US‑31).

Decatur AL Population & Demographic

Decatur has a population of 57,361 and a population density of 1,050.7 people per square mile. The median age here is 39.7, with 38% of individuals being 29 or younger. Residents earn a median household income of $61,563, slightly below the metro area's average. 13.1% of people living in Decatur are in poverty (2% above the national average). 

Homeownership stands at 63%, with a median home value of $210,200. Approximately 10.6% of residents moved to Decatur within the past year. The average commute time is 21.1 minutes.

Additional demographics:

• Educational attainment:
  • 84.8% have high school diplomas
  • 22.5% have bachelor's degrees
• Foreign-born population 8.5%

Decatur has a very diverse racial and ethnic makeup: 

• White (non-Hispanic or Latino): 58.2%
• Black or African American: 24.2%
• American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1%
• Asian: 0.9%
• Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander: 0.4%
• Two or more races: 7.2%
• Hispanic or Latino: 16.5%

The sex ratio is approximately equal, and 48% of residents are married.

Is Decatur AL Safe?

According to the FBI UCR, the violent crime rate per 100K residents is 606.69, and the property crime rate per 100K residents is 2,500.26. The total crime rate per 100,000 people in Decatur is 3,125.59, which is slightly above the US rate of 2,324 per 100,000 people.

The city works in tandem with its residents to deter crime within the community, specifically through the Neighborhood Watch program run by the Decatur Police Department.

Cost of Living in Decatur AL

People living in Decatur AL enjoy an affordable cost of living, with a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 84. Housing is 32% more affordable, utilities are 11% more affordable, and groceries are 3% more affordable. 

The Economic Policy Institute suggests a household income of $93,954 for a family of four living in the Decatur metro area. Typical living expenses are also affordable, according to data from Numbeo. 

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $11.50
• Liter of milk: $0.53
• Dozen eggs: $2.55
• Pound of local cheese: $3.68 
• Pound of chicken fillets: $2.60
• Pound of white rice: $0.91
• Average Decatur utilities per month: 

Source: Numbeo

People living in Decatur spend, on average, $1,562 a month on household bills. 

Real Estate Market

Decatur boasts a buyer market, with a median sale price of $203,250. More homes are available than buyers, giving potential investors negotiation power. Homes for sale in Decatur sit on the market for a median of 63 days; combined with below-national-average prices, this makes living in Decatur affordable and attainable.

37% of residents rent; according to recent RentCafe market analysis, the average rent for a 843-square-foot rental is $951. Houses for rent in Decatur are much more common than apartment complexes or condos.

Neighborhoods in Decatur Alabama

Understanding what type of neighborhoods the community offers is crucial before moving to Decater.

The housing stock in Decatur ranges from 20th-century homes to modern subdivisions and riverfront properties. You will find Victorian-era houses, cottages, and bungalows in historic areas like Old Decatur and Albany. There are walkable sidewalk-lined streets in the downtown and near the river. 

If you’re seeking new construction, look to communities near Decatur, like Priceville, and to developments like River Road Estates. There are cozy and convenient apartments, townhomes, and lofts in Downtown Decatur, all within walking distance of the city's best bars and dining options.  

Decatur AL Weather

Decatur has a humid subtropical climate, resulting in hot summers and mild winters. Decatur experiences rain year-round, with January and July being the two wettest months. Decatur receives around 55 inches of rainfall annually. It has snowed in Decatur before, though it is rare. If you think living in Decatur is a serious option, you should consider its climate to see whether it's conducive to your lifestyle. 

Tempature Decatur AL

June through September, you can expect temperatures in the low 80’s (Fahrenheit) to the mid-90s. In the winter, it rarely goes below 40, although there are occasional cold snaps. The hottest month is July, and the coldest is January. 

Weather in Deactur AL is enjoyable almost year-round, but the best time of year to visit is May to June, when the rainfall is minimal, and the temperatures are enjoyable. 

Things to Do in Decatur AL

Decatur offers tons of fun activities both indoors and outdoors. Here are the top things to do in Decatur. 

Chuck E Cheese

This arcade chain is a great place to beat the heat on a summer day. There are arcade games, a kids' fun zone, and a full-service pizza restaurant. 

1801 Beltline Rd SW G, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 350-4852

Cooks Museum

Explore Decatur’s own nature history museum! There are zoology, geology, paleontology & nature art exhibits for you to check out, making it one of the best Decatur activities. 

133 4th Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 351-4505

Princess Theatre - Performing Arts Center

From concerts to musicals and plays, the Princess Theatre is a unique entertainment option in Decatur you should check out. 

112 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 350-1745 

Restaurants in Decatur AL

Are you looking for places to eat in Decatur AL? Here is a list of the top eateries to try when living in Decatur AL!

Mellow Mushroom 

Enjoy delicious pizza and a fun atmosphere at most of the family-friendly and affordable Decatur restaurants! Reviews love their shiitake stone-fired pizza and vibrant staff. 

202 Moulton St E, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 355-5161

Marlins Bar and Grill

Marline Decatur serves up delicious menu items like hush puppies, fried catfish, and grouper tacos. 

2148 Beltline Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 686-0931

The Brick Deli & Tavern

Indulge in authentic Reuben sandwiches, creamy potato salad, and unique items like beer and cheese soup. The Brick Deli and Tavern has a wide range of options. 

112 Moulton St E, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 355-8318

Jobs in Decatur AL

Decatur has an industrial and manufacturing-based economy, as it's home to one of the busiest inland ports in the U.S., the Port of Decatur, which supports its shipping, logistics, and large-scale production sectors. Data USA reports that manufacturing jobs employ more than 14,000 people living in Decatur. Morgan County Economic Development Association boasts major employers such as GE Appliances, Nucor, United Steel, World Finance, Polaris, and United Launch Alliance.

If you’re a young professional seeking a career in chemical, high-tech, or aerospace manufacturing, living in Decatur may lead to career advancement. The first step to relocating is applying to Decatur jobs that best fit your financial and personal needs. Decatur salaries are slightly below the US average, with income per capita of $34,685. However, there are higher-paying options, depending on your career. According to salary data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage in Decatur is $21.38, with first-line production and operating workers earning a mean salary of $84,910. 

Decatur AL Schools

Decatur City Schools, the primary public school district serving the Decatur area, operates 12 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. Students have the option to join the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and the district hosts unique learning facilities like the Excel Center and Wetlands Edge Environmental Center. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 8,902 students within the Deactur City Schools district, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.9. The graduation rate, per student performance statistics provided by the Alabama Department of Education, is 91.61, and the academic growth is 91.92. The district boasts a college-readiness score of 91.61. The Alabama College Readiness score is based on the number of high school students who meet specific benchmarks indicating they’re prepared for college or postsecondary career pathways.

Decatur Public Library

Between its thousands of physical books, a rich supply of children's literature, and a jam-packed events calendar, the Decatur Public Library is a great educational resource. 

Living in Decatur FAQ

Is Decatur, Alabama a Good Place to Live?

Decatur, Alabama, is generally considered a good place to live for those seeking affordability and a smaller-city lifestyle. Its location along the Tennessee River in Morgan County offers access to outdoor recreation like Point Mallard Park, a lower cost of living than the national average, and proximity to Huntsville’s growing job market. People living in Decatur benefit from a mix of suburban amenities and rural settings, such as vibrant parks and hiking areas.

What Is the Average Income in Decatur Alabama?

According to Census Quick Facts, the median household income in Decatur, Alabama, is $61,563, and the average income per capita is $34,685. The local economy is supported by manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics industries. The mean commute time is 21 minutes, meaning many residents commute to nearby Huntsville for higher-paying jobs. 

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Decatur Alabama?

The cost of living in Decatur, Alabama, is below the U.S. average, with housing being a key factor; the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce states the housing cost index in Decatur is 59. The average home price in Decatur is $217,220, making homeownership more accessible than in many cities. Utilities and groceries are also relatively affordable, according to Payscale’s data. Living in Decatur provides cost savings compared to larger metro areas, though transportation costs may vary depending on commuting needs.

Decatur AL  Statistics & Information

• Decatur AL county: Morgan and Limestone counties
• Decatur AL area: 61,020 square miles
• Decatur AL zip codes: 35601, 35602, 35603, 35609, 35699
• Decatur AL area code: 256 and 938
• Decatur AL time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6 and -5)
• Decatur A elevation: 594 feet
• Closest airport to Decatur AL: Huntsville International Airport is 14.3 miles from Decatur

Map of Decatur AL

Explore more of this vibrant city with this handy map of Decatur. 

Moving to Decatur With The Side Up Moving

If you think that living in Decatur AL is the next step for you and your family, let the skilled team at This Side Up handle your relocation. Call our Decatur movers today at (256) 653-7612 for a free quote.