Is Russellville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Russellville
Russellville, Alabama, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a new place to call home. Nestled in Franklin County, this city provides a more relaxed pace of life while still being within reach of larger urban centers. Its community is characterized by a diverse population and a strong sense of local identity.
The city’s location in the heart of Alabama provides a unique lifestyle, influenced by the region’s climate and natural surroundings. Understanding the various facets of living in Russellville, from its economic landscape to its social fabric, is key for anyone contemplating a move to this Southern locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Russellville?
Russellville’s overall crime rate is estimated to be 15% above the national average, with residents facing a higher likelihood of property crime compared to violent crime (DoorProfit). The city’s crime safety grade is a C as of 2026, indicating a moderate level of safety that varies significantly by neighborhood (DoorProfit). Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (CrimeGrade.org).
The chance of being a victim of crime in Russellville varies by neighborhood, from a 1 in 20 chance in central neighborhoods to a 1 in 50 chance in the southeast (CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, the cost of crime per resident is approximately $463 per year, which is only slightly less than the national average (CrimeGrade.org). This suggests that while crime is a concern, its financial impact on residents is comparable to national figures.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
Housing in Russellville presents a significant affordability advantage, with costs reported to be 42.5% less expensive than the national average (Apartments.com). The median home value in Russellville was $123,800 in 2024, a figure considerably lower than the national median of $332,700 (Data USA). This affordability extends to rentals as well, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Russellville being $1,000 as of April 2026 (Zumper).
The median listing price for a home in Russellville, AL, is around $189,750 (Realtor.com®). However, other sources indicate a median home value of $107,266 (Livability.com) and a median property value of $123,800 in 2024 (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Russellville is approximately 69.6%, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Russellville is approximately 16% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This is largely driven by significantly lower housing expenses, which are about 42.4% below the national average (AreaVibes). Utilities, however, tend to be pricier, running about 31.6% higher than the national average (Apartments.com).
For a single adult with no dependents, a pre-tax salary of around $61,000 is recommended to live comfortably in Russellville (Apartments.com). The median household income in Russellville was reported as $58,231 in 2024 (CensusDepth), with a poverty rate of 16.9% for families (CensusDepth).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The employment sectors in Russellville are primarily driven by manufacturing, construction, and healthcare and social assistance (Data USA). Major employers in the area include companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General (Indeed.com). Pilgrim’s Pride is also a significant employer in the region (Lensa).
Other notable companies providing employment opportunities include Clayton Homes and Russellville Hospital (Franklin County Chamber of Commerce). The availability of diverse industries contributes to the local job market, offering a range of opportunities for residents.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Russellville has shown a positive trend, decreasing from 6.6% in 2017 to 3.8% in 2023 (CensusDepth). As of April 26, the average annual salary in Russellville is approximately $43,365, which equates to about $20.85 per hour (ZipRecruiter).
Salaries in Russellville typically range between $31,750 and $53,248 annually (ZipRecruiter). Top-paying job categories include Project Management, Engineering, and Registered Nursing (ZipRecruiter). These figures provide a general overview of earning potential within the city.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasons
Russellville experiences a climate with long, hot, and muggy summers, and short, cold, and wet winters (Weather Spark). The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 81°F (Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with highs around 88°F and lows of 70°F (Weather Spark).
The cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 57°F (Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 33°F and highs of 50°F (Weather Spark). The temperature typically varies between 32°F and 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 18°F or exceeding 95°F (Weather Spark).
Rainfall and Weather Patterns
Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year in Russellville (IDcide). The wettest month is typically March, with an average rainfall of 5.2 inches, while August receives the least rain, averaging 2.8 inches (Weather Spark). The annual average precipitation is approximately 56.56 inches (US Climate Data).
The city experiences seasonal variation in humidity, with the muggier period lasting from mid-May to late September (Weather Spark). July is the most humid month, with muggy conditions present on approximately 27.1 days (Weather Spark).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Russellville City Schools is a highly-rated public school district with an overall Niche grade of A- (Niche). It serves approximately 2,608 students in grades PK-12, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 30% of students are proficient in math and 41% in reading (Niche).
Russellville Elementary School receives a B+ rating, with 40% of students proficient in math and 57% in reading (Niche). Russellville Middle School also holds a B+ rating (Homes.com). Russellville High School is rated B+ and is recognized among the best college preparatory public high schools in Alabama (Niche).
Demographics
Russellville is home to a population of approximately 10,799 residents (Point2Homes). The racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up about 44.8%, followed by Hispanic at 43.5%, and Black or African American at 9.8% (CensusDepth). As of 2024, about 20.4% of residents were born outside the country (Data USA).
The median age in Russellville is 33.8 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (51.4%) compared to males (48.6%) (Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents, 86.6%, are U.S. citizens (Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Russellville
Pros
Russellville offers a notably lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing (AreaVibes). This affordability allows residents to potentially allocate more income towards other financial goals or leisure activities. The city also boasts a generally positive trend in its unemployment rate, indicating a stable job market (CensusDepth).
The public school system in Russellville is highly rated, providing quality education options for families (Niche). Furthermore, the climate offers warm summers and mild winters, appealing to those who prefer moderate seasonal changes (Weather Spark).
Cons
The crime rate in Russellville is higher than the national average, with property crime being a particular concern (DoorProfit). While some neighborhoods are considered safer, residents should be aware of the varying safety levels across the city (CrimeGrade.org).
Additionally, while housing is affordable, utility costs are higher than the national average (Apartments.com). Some sources also note that Russellville’s median household income is lower than the national average, which could impact purchasing power for some residents (AreaVibes).