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Welcome to Alabama—a state rich in culture, history, and culinary delights like Conecuh sausage and Cat Head biscuits. Known for its vibrant communities and some of the nation’s most notable personalities, Alabama also faces significant challenges, including a high rate of income inequality, which ranks as the sixth highest in the United States. This disparity has persisted over the years, impacting various aspects of life for many Alabamians.
Income inequality is closely linked to critical social issues such as violent crime, child welfare, and educational outcomes. While the state grapples with these challenges, several cities in Alabama stand out for their relatively low rates of income inequality.
Below, we present a summary of the ten cities in Alabama boasting the least income inequality. For a more comprehensive overview, including the top fifty cities, scroll down for detailed descriptions.
- Helena
- Calera
- Pinson
- Southside
- Chelsea
- Pleasant Grove
- Pike Road
- Robertsdale
- Alabaster
- Fultondale
Additionally, we highlight the ten cities with the highest income inequality rates in Alabama, providing context on what makes these communities unique.
Understanding Income Inequality in Alabama
To gauge income inequality in Alabama, we utilized the Gini coefficient, a statistical measure that quantifies income distribution across populations. A Gini score of 0 indicates perfect equality, while a score of 1 signifies total inequality. While extremes are rare, Alabama’s Gini coefficient stands at 47.2, placing it significantly above the national average of 46.1.
Among the 105 cities in Alabama with populations exceeding 5,000, the lowest Gini coefficient recorded was .31, while the highest reached .58. This data underscores the variation in income equality across the state.
For those curious, here are the cities in Alabama grappling with the worst income inequality:
- Demopolis
- Auburn
- Childersburg
- Selma
- Troy
- Lanett
- Center Point
- Tuscaloosa
- Jackson
Now, let’s take a closer look at the cities demonstrating lower income inequality rates, emphasizing community stability and growth.
1. Helena
Gini coefficient: .312
Helena, a burgeoning suburb of Birmingham, offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a notably low crime rate—ranking as one of the safest places in the country. The median household income stands at $62,908, with an unemployment rate around 5%. These factors make Helena an attractive place for families seeking stability and community engagement.
2. Calera
Gini coefficient: .324
Calera, located near Birmingham, is among Alabama’s fastest-growing cities, experiencing a population surge. However, it faces challenges with a family poverty rate nearing 10%. Despite this, the median family income is $42,885, and the city exhibits a sense of community resilience that promises future improvement.
3. Pinson
Gini coefficient: .327
Nestled on Birmingham’s outskirts, Pinson boasts beautiful parks and hosts the annual Butterbean Festival. The median family income is $48,707, reflecting a robust community spirit, especially for a relatively new city.
4. Southside
Gini coefficient: .328
This picturesque riverside community is known for its Southern charm and high civic engagement. With a median family income of $58,427 and a remarkably low family poverty rate of 2%, Southside is an appealing location for families.
5. Chelsea
Gini coefficient: .348
Chelsea is one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama, with a median family income of $72,206. This growth reflects a dynamic local economy and community spirit, highlighted by its beloved holiday parades.
6. Pleasant Grove
Gini coefficient: .358
Known as the Good Neighbor City, Pleasant Grove offers a close-knit community feel while being just 25 minutes from Birmingham. The city boasts a high graduation rate and a rich tradition of family values.
7. Pike Road
Gini coefficient: .361
Despite its small size, Pike Road has established a strong community identity, maintaining relative income equality. The town has experienced growth, with the latest census reporting 1,933 households.
8. Robertsdale
Gini coefficient: .362
Located in Baldwin County, Robertsdale combines small-town charm with city amenities, including community events. As the city grows, it retains its welcoming atmosphere, attracting new residents.
9. Alabaster
Gini coefficient: .371
Alabaster stands out as a mid-sized city with over 31,000 residents, showcasing a high median income and low poverty rates, contributing to its commendable income equality.
10. Fultondale
Gini coefficient: .373
Fultondale is currently experiencing growth due to commercial development and its family-friendly environment. The completion of Interstate 22 is expected to further enhance its appeal, connecting residents more efficiently to major transport routes.
Conclusion
In summary, while Alabama faces challenges related to income inequality, several cities demonstrate resilience and community spirit that promote equality. For more insights and resources, visit Zippia.
Are you interested in exploring booming industries in Alabama? Discover growing job opportunities across the state. Or, if you’re seeking smaller college options, check out colleges in Alabama that can lead to promising career paths.
50 Cities in Alabama with the Best Income Equality
| City | Gini | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Helena | 31.28% | 17,589 |
| Calera | 32.43% | 12,593 |
| Pinson | 32.73% | 7,448 |
| Southside | 32.89% | 8,514 |
| Chelsea | 34.8% | 11,386 |
| Pleasant Grove | 35.87% | 10,270 |
| Pike Road | 36.19% | 7,178 |
| Robertsdale | 36.26% | 5,656 |
| Alabaster | 37.17% | 31,905 |
| Fultondale | 37.38% | 8,733 |
| Pelham | 37.75% | 22,346 |
| Moody | 37.81% | 12,292 |
| Satsuma | 37.88% | 6,152 |
| Rainbow City | 38.52% | 9,608 |
| Midfield | 38.73% | 5,284 |
| Wetumpka | 39.2% | 7,406 |
| Clay | 39.3% | 9,682 |
| Oxford | 39.5% | 21,243 |
| Northport | 39.67% | 24,339 |
| Attalla | 40.22% | 5,965 |
| Hueytown | 40.55% | 15,894 |
| Spanish Fort | 41.0% | 7,578 |
| Daleville | 41.01% | 5,188 |
| Leeds | 41.05% | 11,881 |
| Lincoln | 41.29% | 6,391 |
| Millbrook | 41.43% | 14,983 |
| Prattville | 41.54% | 34,706 |
| Madison | 41.56% | 45,590 |
| Trussville | 41.58% | 20,351 |
| Saraland | 41.7% | 13,715 |
| Daphne | 41.73% | 23,559 |
| Smiths Station | 41.81% | 5,165 |
| Glencoe | 41.85% | 5,139 |
| Hartselle | 42.0% | 14,455 |
| Muscle Shoals | 42.02% | 13,492 |
| Foley | 42.19% | 16,345 |
| Tuscumbia | 42.69% | 8,537 |
| Hoover | 42.89% | 83,547 |
| Enterprise | 43.1% | 27,785 |
| Scottsboro | 43.48% | 14,775 |
| Gardendale | 43.65% | 13,763 |
| Roanoke | 43.8% | 6,013 |
| Chickasaw | 44.07% | 6,005 |
| Oneonta | 44.98% | 6,633 |
| Tallassee | 45.18% | 5,380 |
| Alexander City | 45.57% | 14,787 |
| Albertville | 45.6% | 21,406 |
| Greenville | 46.1% | 7,912 |
| Homewood | 46.25% | 25,535 |
| Bay Minette | 46.28% | 8,843 |
Author
David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
