Moving to Decatur AL in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Decatur, AL.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Decatur, AL.

Are there special reasons to call Decatur, Alabama your new home?

You may have plenty of questions related to one of the 10 largest cities in Alabama as you see hundreds of people moving to Decatur every year. The city, as per experts, has a progressive business climate and is also diverse with amazing infrastructure.

Located along the Tennessee River and nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountain range, Decatur is also near Nashville, Memphis, and Atlanta which makes it a central business center.

So what’s more about the city that you need to know?

Here’s our Decatur moving directory that covers everything about the city. The cost of living, healthcare, safety, transport, education, jobs, taxes – every aspect of the city is explained in detail to help you make the final call about moving there.

Without wasting much time, let’s delve into the city details.

facts of Decatur

Quick facts to know before you move to Decatur, AL

  • Decatur is bordered by the Wheeler Lake portion of the Tennessee River and is nicknamed ‘River City.
  • The city was christened Decatur in 1820.
  • The name was to honor Stephen Decatur, the American naval hero of the War of 1812.
  • In 1836 it became the eastern terminus of the Tuscumbia, Courtland, and Decatur Railroad, the first U.S. railroad west of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • The city’s economy is highly based on poultry, manufacturing, and tourism.
  • The city’s first traffic lights were installed in 1929.
  • The city is highly diverse in terms of population.
  • It ranks high in terms of education.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Decatur, AL

  • The city has a low population.
  • Decatur is growing at a fast rate.
  • The demographics are highly diverse.
  • The cost of living is low here.
  • There is a favorable business environment.
  • The city has high living standards.
  • The poverty rate is higher than the national average here.
  • The city is relatively safer.
  • Manufacturing is the major contributing economic sector.
  • Housing is highly affordable in Decatur.

What's the population of Decatur, AL?

As of 2020, about 57,938 people reside in Decatur, which means 1,065.86 people per square mile. The population is diverse when it comes to race. The city’s median age is 39.6 and the population and about 14.9% of the residents here are below the poverty line.

To know the population better, here are a few stats.

  • Decatur’s total population is 57,938.
  • The population is made up of 47.2% males and 52.8% females.
  • The median age in Decatur is 39.6.
  • The city population is made up of 62.0% White, 21.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3 Native American, and 2.5% from two or more races.
  • About 12.9% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Decatur is 2.5 persons.
  • About 50.4% of the residents are married couples living together.
  • On average, 21.2% of the residents are single and have children.

How fast can you commute to Decatur, AL?

As you plan to relocate to Decatur, you may also be curious to know how much time it will take to drive from home to the office and to home from the office. And in Decatur, you will be at the office and back at home much faster than in your previous city as the average traveling time is much lower. Here, you spend just 20.9 minutes on the road which is shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly in Decatur, here are the latest stats.

  • About 88.8% drive their car alone
  • About 7.6% carpool with others
  • About 1.8% work from home
  • Approximately 0.2% take mass transit

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Decatur, AL.

What is the weather like in Decatur, AL?

Decatur has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. It has hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 90°F on average, while winters are generally mild with temperatures dropping down to 40°F. It does not snow much in Decatur but small, measurable amounts of snow can be experienced a few times each year. The city witnesses thunderstorms during the summer months.

Here are a few Decatur weather facts.

  • The city receives about 54 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • Decatur averages 2 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • On average, the city gets about 204 sunny days per year against the US average of 205 sunny days.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 118 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
moving to Decatur

Top reasons to move to Decatur, IL

You would have seen people moving to Decatur every year and would have wondered about the reasons. To help you, we have filtered out 7 positives of Decatur.

And we’ve collated a few positives of the city.

  • More affordability
  • Low cost of living
  • Job opportunities
  • Low property tax
  • Racial diversity
  • Plenty of water
  • More open spaces
Decatur pros and cons

Pros & Cons of Moving to Decatur, AL

Before you make up your mind to pack the bags to Decatur, it is vital to analyze both the pros and cons of moving here.

To help you, we’ve got the best and worst of Decatur. Cross-check both before you take the final call.

Pros of living in Decatur, AL Cons of living in Decatur, AL
High government spendingHigh poverty rate
Diverse populationHigh sales tax
Low home rentHigh tornado risk
Plenty of parksWet weather
A high percentage of waterHigh risk of storms
Low risk of earthquakes and hurricanes
place to live Decatur

Best neighborhoods near Decatur, AL

While you plan to move to Decatur, staying in a decent neighborhood will be the priority. And you are lucky that there are many fabulous neighborhoods around Decatur to raise a family.

We’ve filtered out the best neighborhoods In Decatur and around.

Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in Decatur and around to rent or buy a house.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value
1.Priceville3,685$336,603
2.Burning Tree Estates/Burning Tree Mountain 989$370,785
3.Basham/Long Leaf Estates981$354,082
4.Wolftown54,321$292,324
5.Fairview548$231,530
6.Flint City790$190,682
7.Albany/City Center8,001$191,360
8.Westmead1.220$263,223
9.Austin Ville/Griffin Addition1,459$175,643
10.Russell Village10,855$207,424

Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Decatur, AL, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

cost of living in Decatur

Cost of living in Decatur, AL

Decatur is a growing city with a strong economy and you may expect it to be highly expensive to live here.

However, Decatur is affordable in terms of housing, groceries, utilities, and transport. And that means, living here also benefits your bank balance.

Here is a break-up of the cost of living in Decatur.

Living Expense Decatur Alabama National Average
Overall80.484.1100
Grocery93.794.4100
Health115.9118.9100
Housing5356.6100
Median Home Cost$187,800$214,000$338,100
Utilities93.4101.2100
Transportation7985.9100
Miscellaneous80.671100

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How is the housing market in Decatur, Alabama?

Perhaps the affordable realty prices draw more people to Decatur. You may find it hard to believe that a home here costs much lower than in most US cities. A normal house costs approximately $187,800 and about 66% of the population owns a house here, which offers a ray of hope for everyone packing their bags here.

We’ve got the latest city housing facts for you.

  • Decatur’s median home cost is $181,800.
  • The median age of Decatur’s real estate is 41 years old.
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 75.6%.
  • Renters make up 34.3% of the Decatur population.
  • About 3.9% of houses and apartments in Decatur are available to rent.

Average rental prices in Decatur, AL

At Decatur, it is not just home prices but even home rentals are cheaper. You can rent a house on a budget that perfectly fits into your pocket. We’ve got the average home rental in Decatur and maybe the details will help you.

  • Decatur’s average rent for a studio apartment is $640
  • Decatur’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $670
  • Decatur’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $820
  • Decatur’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,070
  • Decatur’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,180
jobs in Decatur

How is the job market in Decatur, Alabama?

Decatur has a positive business climate and hence you’ll see many corporate and industries flourishing here.

The most popular industries include manufacturing, poultry, manufacturing, and tourism but that doesn’t mean that the economy is completely based on these. Many other industries including healthcare are also prominent here.

And we’ve got a few job-related facts in Decatur, which may benefit you.

  • The job growth in Decatur has been positive.
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 30.5%.
  • The unemployment rate here is 3.0%.
  • Jobs have increased by 2.4% over the past year.
  • The average salary in Decatur is $45,653.
  • The median home cost in Decatur is $187,800.

Here is a breakdown table to better understand the Decatur job market.

Employment Information Decatur, Alabama United States
The income per Cap$25,737$31,177
Household Income$43,176$57,652
Unemployment Rate3.06.0%
Recent Job Growth-0.90%-6.18%
Future Job Growth32.51%33.51%

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Fastest growing jobs in Decatur, AL

The growing economy predicts decent job growth in the coming years. And that means you can confidently move here for a job. When you have a list of fast-growing jobs in hand, it becomes easier to make moving decisions. You’d know whether you will find a decent one in just days after reaching here. And fortunately, we’ve got a list of the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Decatur and neighboring areas.

Here are the top 11 fastest-growing jobs in Decatur.

Rank Job Title Job openings in 2023 Average salary
1Physician418$225,121
2Registered nurse230$59,872
3Sales associate179$36,808
4Server168$19,979
5Delivery driver153$32,455
6Certified nursing assistant147$22,509
7Customer service representative138$23,701
8Shift supervisor125$36,494
9Hospital physician123$235,334
10Shift leader110$27,347
11Assistant manager109$45,130

Top career options in Decatur, Alabama?

While you look for a job in Decatur, the package will be a crucial factor. And it is a fact that you’ll be curious to know the highest paying jobs to ensure you are fit to get one. And realizing this, we’ve got an accurate list of the highest-paying jobs.

Here are the highest-paying jobs in Decatur, AL

Rank Job Title Average salary Entry level salary
1Cardiologist$228,108$119,000
2Physician$225,121$129,000
3Gastroenterologist$202,781$114,000
4Hospitalist$197,300$120,000
5Psychiatrists$194,509$106,000
6Family medicine physician$188,162$106,000
7Pediatricians$162,699$98,000
8Senior manager$107,881$68,000
9Real estate agent$95,854$61,000
10Licensed professional counselor$89,326$57,000

What's the average salary & income in Decatur, AL?

You are indeed curious to know about the salary in Decatur. However, the salary is greatly based on many factors including experience, skill, type of industry, and your profile. However, there are a few common factors, and knowing them will help you analyze whether moving to Decatur will be worthwhile in terms of income. Anything above $40,000 is a good salary in Decatur.

Here are a few informative points related to the average salary and income in Decatur.

  • Decatur’s average annual pay for average jobs is $45,653 a year
  • Decatur s average hourly pay for average jobs is $19.23 an hour
  • Decatur’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $769 per week
  • Decatur’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $3,333 per month
  • Decatur’s top earners (90th percentile) make $76,000 annually

Major industries in Decatur, AL

As you are on the last leg of packing the bags to Decatur, it would be good to know the major businesses here. To help you, we’ve listed them out for you.

Here is a list of major industries in Decatur, AL

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Poultry
  • Real estate
  • Healthcare
  • Tourism

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Decatur, AL

Your dream will be to work in a company that highly cares about its employees. And that remains the same even while searching for a job in Decatur. Fortunately, the city has many such companies. We’ve got a list of the 10 best companies to work for in Decatur.

Here’s our best company list.

  • Daikin America Inc.
  • Byrd Maintenance Services
  • Gemstone
  • Alabama farmers Cooperative
  • Cook’s Pest Control
  • Temple Inc.
  • GreenPoint
  • City of Decatur Alabama
  • Paging USA Inc
  • Wolverine Tube
taxes in Decatur

What are taxes like in Decatur, AL?

Your take-home salary is greatly based on the tax the state levies on you.

Higher taxes means lower your take-home money and this also means you need to earn higher. And knowing the tax structure in Decatur, AL is a good idea.

Here are a few tax-related facts in Decatur, AL.

  • The sales tax rate for Decatur is 9.0%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The income tax rate for Decatur is 5.0%. The US average is 4.6%.
  • The average property tax rate in Decatur is 0.41%.
Decatur to do

What are the best things to do in Decatur, AL?

Decatur is historically significant and still has many structures that speak about the past.

In addition, the city has plenty of open spaces to take part in outdoor activities. Once you move here, be ready to explore the unlimited fun that would keep your holidays and weekends occupied.

We’ve got a list of the 10 best things to do in Decatur, AL.

  • Visit Carnegie Visual Arts Center
  • View some preserved wildlife at the Cook Museum of Natural Science
  • Purchase the freshest fruit at Decatur Farmers’ Market
  • Explore the Old State Bank
  • All aboard the Pickwick Belle
  • Experience the great outdoors at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
  • Visit the oldest park In Decatur
  • Go for a round at Point Mallard Golf Course
  • Visit St. John's Episcopal Church
  • Check out the Train Museum

How safe is Decatur, AL?

Moving to Decatur, you’ll be relatively safer. The reason is that the city records much lower crimes than the national average. However, property crimes are higher here and they have gone up in recent years. Decatur is safer than 5% of the US cities which is not an impressive record. But about 78% of the residents claim the city is pretty safe to live in.

To help you know the crime stats in Decatur, we’ve got a few facts.

  • The violent crime rate in Decatur is 15.8 while the US average is 22.7.
  • The city’s property crime is 61.7 while the US average is 35.4.
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim here is 1 in 228.
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 28 in Decatur.
  • About 78% of the city population feels safe in the city.

Tip:Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

schools in Decatur

What are the top schools in Decatur, AL?

A big positive side of moving to Decatur is the high stand of education.

When you move here with a family, you would easily find a school as there are many high-ranking schools and colleges.

To help you, we’ve prepared a list of top educational institutions with their rankings.

Top 5 Public Elementary Schools in Decatur, AL

  • Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 317 students | Ratings: 9/10

  • Benjamin Davis Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 281 students | Ratings: 9/10

  • PriceVille Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 673 students | Ratings: 8/10

  • Walter Jakson Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 288 students | Ratings: 8/10

  • Francis Nungester Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 393 students | Ratings: 7/10

Top 3 Public Middle Schools in Decatur, AL

  • Clear Ridge Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 736 students | Ratings: 7/10

  • Decatur Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 825 students | Ratings: 7/10

  • Brook Haven Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 494 students | Ratings: 5/10

Top 4 Public High Schools in Decatur, AL

  • Priceville High School
    Public, 9-12 | 450 students | Ratings: 7/10

  • Decatur High School
    Public, PK-12 | 1,033 students | Ratings: 7/10

  • Austin High School
    Private, 9-12 | 1,075 students | Ratings: 4/10

  • Horizon High School
    Private, 9-12 | 256 students | Ratings: 4/10

Top colleges and universities in Decatur, AL

  • Athens State University

  • Calhoun Community College

  • Faulkner University

  • Oakwood University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Decatur, Alabama a good place to live?

Decatur has a scenic setting and its natural beauty makes it a great place to live and retire. The low cost of living, natural beauty, amenities, friendly people, and excellent health care all make Decatur a good place to call your home.

Is Decatur affordable to live in?

A great thing about Decatur is its affordability. When you consider the neighboring cities of the same size, infrastructure, and business atmosphere, Decatur is cheaper in terms of expenses. You can buy a home or rent one without burning your wallet. Even groceries, healthcare, and other amenities are cheaper here.

Is Decatur walk-friendly?

Decatur has more than 60 miles of tree-lined sidewalks in 4.7 square miles. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, retailers, and services within walking distance of the downtown square. This means you can walk here comfortably in the mornings and evenings.

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