Let the numbers do the talking.
Birmingham, AL vs Decatur, AL
Birmingham, AL vs Decatur, AL: What the data shows
Birmingham, AL is in Birmingham, AL while Decatur, AL is in Decatur, AL — both in the same state. On home prices, Decatur, AL is the more affordable option at $200,000 median — $236,100 less than Birmingham, AL's $436,100. WYLT rates Birmingham, AL as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Decatur, AL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Birmingham, AL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Decatur, AL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Birmingham, AL has Low flood risk and Decatur, AL has Low flood risk.
Birmingham, AL is the more walkable neighborhood. Birmingham, AL scores 6/100 (car-dependent) versus Decatur, AL's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Decatur, AL has the higher school rating — Birmingham, AL rates 6.8/10 and Decatur, AL rates 8/10.
| Category | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $436K | $200K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $75K ✓ Higher income | $45K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 6/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 24/100 ✓ Better transit | 3/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 1/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute | 45 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.8/10 | 8/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | suburban familiesstudents attending local schoolsmoderate-income households | familiescommuters to Birminghamaffordable home buyers |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
Share this comparison