What to know when moving to Brookside, AL
Brookside at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small community with 87% of residents renting and a staggering poverty rate of 49.1%.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to multiple educational institutions in nearby Jefferson County, including Birmingham-Southern College.
- The Reality Check:
- High poverty rate means economic challenges for many residents.
- Commute:
- Car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 66 rainy days each year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Brookside is a small town with a population of just 175, where a significant 87% of residents are renters. The community faces economic challenges, reflected in a high poverty rate of 49.1%. With no residents holding a bachelor's degree, educational attainment is notably low, making Brookside potentially less appealing for those seeking a highly educated environment.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a thriving job market or a community with a higher education level.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent information is unavailable; however, the area is characterized by a high renter population of 87%.
- The community has a poverty rate of 49.1%, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Education level is low, with 0% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Alabama indicate notable trends over recent years, with an overall decline in both property and violent crime rates.
- Violent crime: 350.8 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, showing a decrease of 12.3% from 2022 to 2025.
- Property crime: 1490.4 per 100k vs. national rate of 1546.9, down 14% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 20.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Alabama).
Schools & Higher Ed
Brookside has access to several educational institutions in the nearby Jefferson County area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Major institutions include Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Brookside experiences about 37.3 inches of rain annually, with 66 rainy days. Snow is rare, with only about 1 snow day per year.
- Vulcan Park and Museum: 4.7 stars, 5520 reviews
- Railroad Park Foundation: 4.7 stars, 4186 reviews
- Birmingham Museum of Art: 4.8 stars, 2849 reviews
- Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark: 4.7 stars, 2607 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Jefferson County, the employment landscape shows a stable job market with a low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 2.3% (December 2025)
- Employed: 316,408
- Labor force: 324,004
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.