What to know when moving to Red Bay, AL
Red Bay at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 33.2% of residents renting and a median household income of $40,147.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is just $568, making housing more affordable compared to many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Approximately 22% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 47 inches of rain annually, so keep an umbrella handy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Red Bay is a small community with a population of about 4,507. The median household income is $40,147, and 33.2% of residents are renters. With 22.7% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the area has a reasonably educated demographic. The public transit use is virtually nonexistent, indicating that most residents rely on cars for commuting. The climate features 96 rainy days a year, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer urban amenities and public transportation options, as this area has 0% commuting via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $568, making it an affordable option for renters.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $113,800, reflecting the overall affordability of housing in the area.
- About 22% of the population lives below the poverty line, which may impact the local economy.
- 33.2% of residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the community prefers renting over homeownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects trends at the state level for Alabama. In 2025, Alabama reported a violent crime rate of 350.8 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 325.3 per 100,000. Property crime in Alabama had an annual rate of 1,490.4 per 100,000, which is slightly lower than the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100,000.
- Violent crime: 350.8 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3 per 100,000.
- Property crime: 1,490.4 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9 per 100,000.
- Notable trend: Violent crime decreased by 12.3% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Alabama).
Weather & Getting Outside
Red Bay experiences an annual average precipitation of 47 inches, with 96 rainy days throughout the year. The area enjoys warm summers, with highs averaging 88°F, while winters are mild with lows around 31°F.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Tishomingo State Park - Rating: 4.6 (1,003 reviews)
- Red Bay City Water Park - Rating: 4.1 (294 reviews)
- Red Bay RV Park - Rating: 4.5 (98 reviews)
- Red Bay Museum - Rating: 4.8 (28 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Franklin County, where Red Bay is located, the unemployment rate is 2.2% as of December 2025, indicating a relatively healthy job market. The total labor force consists of 14,104 individuals, with 13,799 employed.
- Unemployment rate: 2.2% in December 2025.
- Employment: 13,799 individuals.
- Labor force: 14,104 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.