Is Tarrant Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tarrant
Tarrant, Alabama, offers a unique blend of small-city charm and proximity to the larger metropolitan amenities of Birmingham. Nestled in Jefferson County, this community provides a distinct living experience for its residents, balancing industrial heritage with evolving opportunities. Understanding the various facets of life in Tarrant is key for anyone considering this locale for a new home.
The city’s development has been significantly shaped by its industrial roots, which continue to play a role in its economy and community fabric. This historical foundation has fostered a sense of close-knit community, where residents, business owners, and local government often interact on a personal level. Tarrant is part of the larger Birmingham metropolitan area, benefiting from its resources while maintaining its own identity.
Is it Safe to Live in Tarrant?
Tarrant, AL, faces significant challenges regarding safety, with crime rates considerably higher than national averages. The city has a safety grade of F- (as reported by OpenCrime). This is largely due to a violent crime rate of 2,519.9 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the national average of 388.7 (as reported by OpenCrime).
The property crime rate also presents concerns, standing at 4,566.2 per 100,000 residents (as reported by OpenCrime). This indicates a need for vigilance within the community. While the crime trajectory is reported as stable based on one year of data, it is safer than only 0% of all cities in the OpenCrime database.
Housing Costs and Availability
Housing in Tarrant, AL, presents a range of options, though the market dynamics show variations. The median property value in Tarrant was $120,100 in 2024, which is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
The homeownership rate in Tarrant is approximately 39.4%, which is below the national average (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a larger proportion of renters in the city. For those seeking rental properties, there are numerous houses for rent, with prices varying based on size and amenities (as reported by Zillow).
Economic Landscape and Employment
Tarrant’s economy is characterized by a strong manufacturing base, with emergent service sector growth contributing to its economic balance. Industry has historically been central to Tarrant’s development, creating a foundation for residential and commercial expansion (as reported by City of Tarrant History).
Major employers in the broader Tarrant County area include significant entities like Lockheed Martin Corp., Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant (as reported by Tarrant County). The average salary in Tarrant, AL, is approximately $49,193 annually, equating to about $23.65 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Demographics and Community Profile
Tarrant, AL, has a population of approximately 5,656 residents as of 2026, showing a slight decline from previous years (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Tarrant is 39.1 years (as reported by Data USA).
The racial composition of Tarrant is diverse, with Black or African American residents making up approximately 45.03% of the population, followed by White residents at 33.22% (as reported by World Population Review). Approximately 91.8% of Tarrant residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Education and Schools
The Tarrant City School District serves the community, offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, serving approximately 1,093 students (as reported by Tarrant City Schools).
Tarrant High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, and according to state test scores, 2% of students are proficient in math and 17% in reading (as reported by Niche). Tarrant City Schools have an overall graduation rate of 67% (as reported by Tarrant City Schools).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Tarrant, Alabama, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The average temperature throughout the year is around 58.3°F (as reported by WillyWeather).
Summer months, from May to September, are typically hot, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 83°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 90°F (as reported by Tarrant Climate). Winters are cooler, with January having the lowest average temperatures, with highs around 54°F and lows around 36°F (as reported by Tarrant Climate).