What to know when moving to Auburn, AL
Auburn at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 62.9% hold a bachelor's degree and 43.8% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $63,761, which supports a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- 20.4% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1.4% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,033 in median rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Auburn has a population of 48,172, with a significant portion of the community being renters. The median gross rent is $1,033, which reflects the area's housing market. The relatively high education level suggests a community focused on academic achievement, with 62.9% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, the poverty rate is a concern, as 20.4% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a strong public transit system, as only 1.4% of commuters rely on it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,033, which means you'll need to budget accordingly.
- Median home value is $346,600, reflecting a significant investment for buyers.
- 62.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 20.4%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Alabama, crime rates show some improvement, with property crime down by 14% since 2022. However, violent crime remains above the national average.
- Violent crime: 350.8 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,490.4 per 100,000 residents, slightly below the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 20.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Alabama).
Schools & Higher Ed
Auburn has access to a total of 3 postsecondary institutions, providing options for higher education.
- Auburn University
- Bluefield University - Edward Via College - Auburn
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Explore the outdoors with several parks nearby that offer recreational opportunities.
- Chewacla State Park - 4.6 stars (2,057 reviews)
- Town Creek Park - 4.7 stars (900 reviews)
- Kiesel Park - 4.8 stars (805 reviews)
- The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University - 4.6 stars (352 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Lee County, the local economy is stable with a low unemployment rate of 2.0%.
- Unemployment rate: 2.0% as of December 2025.
- Employment: 88,398 residents are employed.
- Labor force: 90,184 residents are part of the labor force.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.