Zip Code 35242

AL · Population: 56,466

B
66/100
37
D
Safety
84
A
Affordability
67
B
Quality of Life
74
B+
Jobs
Zip 35242, AL — boundary highlighted© OpenFreeMap · OpenStreetMap · US Census

About Zip Code 35242

Zip code 35242 is located in Alabama and is home to approximately 56,466 residents. It receives an overall grade of B (score: 66/100), based on safety, affordability, quality of life, and employment metrics.

This area experiences higher crime rates than the national average. Residents should be aware of safety considerations.

With a median household income of $115,541 and home values around $433,800, this zip code offers strong affordability. Residents typically spend a manageable share of their income on housing.

The community is highly educated — 64.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of ~33%.

The local job market is strong, with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%.

Scores are percentile-based: a score of 85 means this zip code ranks better than 85% of all US zip codes on that dimension. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau (ACS 5-year estimates) and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Demographics & Economics

Median Income
$115,541
Home Value
$433,800
Rent
$1,368/mo
Median Age
43
College Educated
64.3%
Unemployment
2.1%
Owner-Occupied
73.5%
Rent Burden
14.2% of income

Score Breakdown

DimensionScoreGradeInterpretation
Safety37DLower crime = higher score
Affordability84ALower cost relative to income = higher
Quality of Life67BEducation, commute, ownership
Jobs & Economy74B+Lower unemployment = higher
Overall66BWeighted average

Methodology

All scores are percentile-based (0–100): a score of 85 means this zip code ranks better than 85% of all US zip codes on that metric. Safety uses FBI Uniform Crime Report state-level data (Phase 2 will add zip-level granularity). Economic and demographic data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (2022).