Gadsden, AL
Demographics And Statistics

Demographics | Crime | Cost Of Living
Updated: 2025-10-25

Living In Gadsden, Alabama Summary

Life in Gadsden research summary. HomeSnacks has been using Saturday Night Science to research the quality of life in Gadsden over the past nine years using Census, FBI, Zillow, and other primary data sources. Based on the most recently available data, we found the following about life in Gadsden:

  • The population in Gadsden is 33,617.

  • The median home value in Gadsden is $104,113.

  • The median income in Gadsden is $38,699.

  • The cost of living in Gadsden is 84 which is 0.8x lower than the national average.

  • The median rent in Gadsden is $787.

  • The unemployment rate in Gadsden is 8.9%.

  • The poverty rate in Gadsden is 27.6%.

  • The average high in Gadsden is 71.9° and the average low is 49.5°.

Gadsden SnackAbility

5
Overall SnackAbility
Jobs
4/10
Housing
4
Affordability
7
Diversity
9
Safety
N/A
Amenities
8
Education
5
Commute
8.5

Gadsden, AL Crime Report

Crime in Gadsden summary. We use data from the FBI to determine the crime rates in Gadsden. Key points include:

  • There were 1,043 total crimes in Gadsden in the last reporting year.

  • The overall crime rate per 100,000 people in Gadsden is 3,159.2 / 100k people.

  • The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Gadsden is 581.6 / 100k people.

  • The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Gadsden is 2,577.6 / 100k people.

  • Overall, crime in Gadsden is 49.07% above the national average.

1,043
Total Crimes
49.07%
Above National Average

Crime In Gadsden Comparison Table

Statistic Count
Raw
Gadsden
/ 100k People
Alabama
/ 100k People
National
/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K 1,043 3,159.2 1,924.9 2,119.2
Violent Crime 192 581.6 359.9 359.0
Murder 4 12.1 8.7 5.0
Robbery 16 48.5 34.0 61.0
Aggravated Assault 168 508.9 291.4 256.0
Property Crime 851 2,577.6 1,565.1 1,760.0
Burglary 97 293.8 243.5 229.0
Larceny 682 2,065.7 1,148.5 1,272.0
Car Theft 72 218.1 173.0 259.0

Gadsden, AL Cost Of Living

Cost of living in Gadsden summary. We use data on the cost of living to determine how expensive it is to live in Gadsden. Real estate prices drive most of the variance in cost of living around Alabama. Key points include:

  • The cost of living in Gadsden is 84 with 100 being average.

  • The cost of living in Gadsden is 0.8x lower than the national average.

  • The median home value in Gadsden is $104,113.

  • The median income in Gadsden is $38,699.

84
Gadsden's Overall Cost Of Living
0.8x
Lower Than The National Average

Cost Of Living In Gadsden Comparison Table

Living Expense Gadsden Alabama National Average
Overall 84 90 100
Services 92 97 100
Groceries 92 98 100
Health 79 86 100
Housing 50 74 100
Transportation 92 93 100
Utilities 126 102 100

Gadsden, AL Weather

  • The average high in Gadsden is 71.9° and the average low is 49.5°.

  • There are 79.0 days of precipitation each year.

  • Expect an average of 54.8 inches of precipitation each year with 0.6 inches of snow.

StatGadsden
Average Annual High71.9
Average Annual Low49.5
Annual Precipitation Days79.0
Average Annual Precipitation54.8
Average Annual Snowfall0.6
71.9°
Average High
79.0
Days of Rain

Gadsden, AL Photos

Gadsdenal Aerial
Source: Wikipedia User Curtis Palmer from Vestav | CC BY 2.0
Gadsdenc Al  Perspective Map
Source: Public Domain
Gadsdenc Alc Spirit Of American Citizenship Monumentc With Coosa River
Source: Public Domain

7 Reviews & Comments About Gadsden

Overall User Rating
4.0
/5

ISABELLA YOUNG - None

I live in Gadsden....I actually love it here...well most of the time


Andre Jackson - None

I'm from Anniston and live in Gadsden, h**l Gadsden ain't the worst...


HomeSnacks User - 2018-08-03 17:26:30.785231

The crime in Gadsden is not at all likenyou have listed on your website as far as worse cities. Gadsden is a peaceful city and no you do not have to clinch your purse or valuables when visiting the city. I do not know how you calculate your scores or do I even care but what I do know is that you make cities look far worse than in reality. If I did not know any better and wanted to visit Gadsden and first checked your site, I would be afraid to travel to this city and would probably miss out of some of the most historical and most southern hospitality that one could or would ever endure. Please stop being so judgmental when it comes to cities and what you think of them! I would love to know what you would list as the best cities in Alabama to live. Let me guess, it would be the predominantly white neighborhoods where if you are a minority the sheriff or city police gets called because you may not look a certain way. Well I happen to live in one of those neighborhoods and I hate to be the bearer of bad news but crime happens there as well. Often times it is not reported or it is overlooked because some wealthy neighborhood mother or father paid their child's way out of the trouble. Drugs in the wealthy neighborhoods are far worse than what you would consider the "ghetto". M**h and heroine in these well to so neighborhoods is out of control!! So if you want to report on some factual claims, report on the truth! Furthermore, schools in the Gadsden area are magnet schools, which means that they have a high acedemic level to achieve and that they produce students with high merits. I made sure to mention that because you wanted information on the he schools on the area but I am sure that you already knew that as well.

This city is just as any other city. You should always watch your surrounds and be attentive to the people you come in contact with while visiting. What you bring to a person when visiting any city, is what you will get in return. If you greet people with a smile and be courteous and travel in groups you will be just fine. If you go out looking for trouble you can find that anywhere even in church.


HomeSnacks User - 2019-02-27 04:06:51.325098

There are a few neighborhoods that are not exactly the nicest but the schools are definitely good and it definitely has a relaxing atmosphere and shows off its southern charm

My favorite place to hang out at is the mall but there are a few things that you need too look out for like people who act out of place but you should always be fully alerted and aware of your surroundings


HomeSnacks User - 2019-03-14 11:39:49.058714

I live in this town. I have been a victim multiple times in this town. I love this town and the people that prey upon the weak it's where I love to call home.

Bad - no good paying jobs. Housing market is pitiful. Roads are horrible. A lot of schools are failing according to national reports. Very unsafe in all areas.

Good - we have a new venue event building, Buffalo Wild Wings is coming. Remodeled park in the high crime area. Plenty of shopping locations for mattresses and chicken.


HomeSnacks User - 2019-05-19 22:03:23.188726

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION FROM- I have lived in Gadsden for almost 20 yrs. We have seen a difference in the traffic, population, jobs, businesses etc. The Crime, Drugs etc. are no worse here than anywhere else. We live near GRMC and our neighborhood has seen little change. I would welcome anyone traveling through or interested in relocating to Gadsden to slow down and spend some time here. Our city is trying to improve and is growing. We are like every other city with the WAR ON DRUGS!!! Our young people need things to do and guidance for a different direction. The current situation shows that there is a definite disconnect between morals, respect, discipline, accountability, responsibility and most importantly GOALS for the future! Everyone in this day and age needs to stand up, take notice and contribute to assist our fellow citizens to take back our Children and Families from this ADDICTION TO DRUGS!!!!!!!! Without this Gadsden and any other city has NO FUTURE.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION FROM- I have lived in Gadsden for almost 20 yrs. We have seen a difference in the traffic, population, jobs, businesses etc. The Crime, Drugs etc. are no worse here than anywhere else. We live near GRMC and our neighborhood has seen little change. I would welcome anyone traveling through or interested in relocating to Gadsden to slow down and spend some time here. Our city is trying to improve and is growing. We are like every other city with the WAR ON DRUGS!!! Our young people need things to do and guidance for a different direction. The current situation shows that there is a definite disconnect between morals, respect, discipline, accountability, responsibility and most importantly GOALS for the future! Everyone in this day and age needs to stand up, take notice and contribute to assist our fellow citizens to take back our Children and Families from this ADDICTION TO DRUGS!!!!!!!! Without this Gadsden and any other city has NO FUTURE.


HomeSnacks User - None

I live in gadsden and I like it!!

Review Where You Live

Rankings for Gadsden in Alabama

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Map Of Gadsden, AL

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Gadsden Demographics And Statistics

Population over time in Gadsden

The current population in Gadsden is 33,617. The population has decreased -9.5% from 2010.

Year Population % Change
2023 33,617 -0.8%
2022 33,881 -1.3%
2021 34,317 -2.6%
2020 35,224 -0.7%
2019 35,486 -0.4%
2018 35,624 -0.6%
2017 35,832 -1.1%
2016 36,235 -0.6%
2015 36,455 -0.5%
2014 36,621 -0.5%
2013 36,794 -0.3%
2012 36,888 -0.3%
2011 37,014 -0.4%
2010 37,162 -

Race / Ethnicity in Gadsden

White
49.8% (16,753)
African American
36.8% (12,355)
American Indian
0.1% (41)
Asian
0.8% (266)
Hawaiian
0.0% (12)
Other
0.4% (132)
Two Or More
2.9% (983)
Hispanic
9.1% (3,075)

Gadsden is:

  • 49.8% White with 16,753 White residents.

  • 36.8% African American with 12,355 African American residents.

  • 0.1% American Indian with 41 American Indian residents.

  • 0.8% Asian with 266 Asian residents.

  • 0.0% Hawaiian with 12 Hawaiian residents.

  • 0.4% Other with 132 Other residents.

  • 2.9% Two Or More with 983 Two Or More residents.

  • 9.1% Hispanic with 3,075 Hispanic residents.

Race Gadsden AL USA
White 49.8% 63.8% 58.2%
African American 36.8% 25.9% 12.0%
American Indian 0.1% 0.3% 0.5%
Asian 0.8% 1.4% 5.7%
Hawaiian 0.0% 0.0% 0.2%
Other 0.4% 0.3% 0.5%
Two Or More 2.9% 2.9% 3.9%
Hispanic 9.1% 5.4% 19.0%

Gender in Gadsden

Female
52.9% (17,777)
Male
47.1% (15,840)
  • Gadsden is 52.9% female with 17,777 female residents.

  • Gadsden is 47.1% male with 15,840 male residents.

Gender Gadsden AL USA
Female 52.9% 51.5% 50.5%
Male 47.1% 48.5% 49.5%

Highest level of educational attainment in Gadsden for adults over 25

  • 5.0% of adults in Gadsden completed < 9th grade.

  • 13.0% of adults in Gadsden completed 9-12th grade.

  • 35.0% of adults in Gadsden completed high school / ged.

  • 24.0% of adults in Gadsden completed some college.

  • 8.0% of adults in Gadsden completed associate's degree.

  • 9.0% of adults in Gadsden completed bachelor's degree.

  • 4.0% of adults in Gadsden completed master's degree.

  • 1.0% of adults in Gadsden completed professional degree.

  • 1.0% of adults in Gadsden completed doctorate degree.

< 9th Grade
5.0% (1,680)
9-12th Grade
13.0% (4,370)
High School / GED
35.0% (11,765)
Some College
24.0% (8,068)
Associate's Degree
8.0% (2,689)
Bachelor's Degree
9.0% (3,025)
Master's Degree
4.0% (1,344)
Professional Degree
1.0% (336)
Doctorate Degree
1.0% (336)
Education Gadsden AL USA
< 9th Grade 5.0% 4.0% 5.0%
9-12th Grade 13.0% 8.0% 6.0%
High School / GED 35.0% 30.0% 26.0%
Some College 24.0% 21.0% 19.0%
Associate's Degree 8.0% 9.0% 9.0%
Bachelor's Degree 9.0% 17.0% 21.0%
Master's Degree 4.0% 8.0% 10.0%
Professional Degree 1.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Doctorate Degree 1.0% 1.0% 2.0%

Household Income For Gadsden, Alabama

  • 7.7% of households in Gadsden earn Less than $10,000.

  • 9.9% of households in Gadsden earn $10,000 to $14,999.

  • 15.9% of households in Gadsden earn $15,000 to $24,999.

  • 12.4% of households in Gadsden earn $25,000 to $34,999.

  • 14.6% of households in Gadsden earn $35,000 to $49,999.

  • 18.6% of households in Gadsden earn $50,000 to $74,999.

  • 8.5% of households in Gadsden earn $75,000 to $99,999.

  • 6.6% of households in Gadsden earn $100,000 to $149,999.

  • 3.9% of households in Gadsden earn $150,000 to $199,999.

  • 1.9% of households in Gadsden earn $200,000 or more.

Less than $10,000
7.7% (259,231)
$10,000 to $14,999
9.9% (331,442)
$15,000 to $24,999
15.9% (534,048)
$25,000 to $34,999
12.4% (416,900)
$35,000 to $49,999
14.6% (490,410)
$50,000 to $74,999
18.6% (624,961)
$75,000 to $99,999
8.5% (285,466)
$100,000 to $149,999
6.6% (223,126)
$150,000 to $199,999
3.9% (132,732)
$200,000 or more
1.9% (63,379)
Income Gadsden AL USA
Less than $10,000 7.7% 6.3% 4.9%
$10,000 to $14,999 9.9% 5.0% 3.6%
$15,000 to $24,999 15.9% 9.2% 6.6%
$25,000 to $34,999 12.4% 8.7% 6.8%
$35,000 to $49,999 14.6% 12.2% 10.4%
$50,000 to $74,999 18.6% 16.8% 15.7%
$75,000 to $99,999 8.5% 12.5% 12.7%
$100,000 to $149,999 6.6% 15.2% 17.4%
$150,000 to $199,999 3.9% 7.1% 9.3%
$200,000 or more 1.9% 7.2% 12.6%

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