What to know when moving to Pelham, AL
Pelham at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 50.2% hold a bachelor's degree and only 16.5% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $91,513, offering a relatively comfortable standard of living.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 34.1 inches of rain annually, so invest in rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pelham attracts residents who value education and homeownership, with a notable 50.2% holding a bachelor's degree. The community primarily consists of homeowners, with only 16.5% of the population renting. While the median gross rent stands at $1,575, the relatively high median home value of $282,600 reflects a stable housing market.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transit, as 0% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median household income is $91,513, indicating a strong economic base.
- Median gross rent is $1,575, which may require budgeting for housing costs.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $282,600, reflecting the local real estate market.
- Poverty rate is 7.0%, showing a generally stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Alabama, the crime rates indicate a mixed safety landscape. The state violent crime rate is 350.8 per 100,000, which is 7.8% higher than the national average. Property crime sits at 1490.4 per 100,000, slightly lower than the national average by 3.7% and has decreased by 14% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 350.8 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1490.4 per 100k vs. national 1546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 20.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Alabama).
Schools & Higher Ed
Pelham has access to several educational institutions in the nearby area, enhancing options for residents.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 5
- All institutions with College Scorecard data: 5
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Shelby County experiences an annual precipitation of 34.1 inches, with 69 rainy days contributing to a lush environment. The area has no snowfall, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer milder winters.
- Oak Mountain State Park - 4.7 stars from 5287 reviews
- Moss Rock Preserve - 4.8 stars from 1873 reviews
- Veterans Park - 4.7 stars from 1554 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Shelby County is quite robust, with a low unemployment rate of 1.8% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 1.8% as of December 2025
- Employment: 122,224 individuals
- Labor force: 124,451 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.