Zip Code 36853
AL · Population: 8,579
About Zip Code 36853
Zip code 36853 is located in Alabama and is home to approximately 8,579 residents. It receives an overall grade of C+ (score: 51/100), based on safety, affordability, quality of life, and employment metrics.
Crime rates in this area are roughly in line with national averages.
The median household income here is $60,158, with home values near $233,000 and rents around $849/month. Affordability is moderate compared to the rest of the country.
Educational attainment is below the national average, with 23.7% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
The unemployment rate of 14.1% is above the national average, indicating a weaker local job market.
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
Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Grade | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | 49 | C | Lower crime = higher score |
| Affordability | 68 | B | Lower cost relative to income = higher |
| Quality of Life | 64 | B | Education, commute, ownership |
| Jobs & Economy | 23 | F | Lower unemployment = higher |
| Overall | 51 | C+ | Weighted 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).