Is Andalusia Safe, Pros and cons of living in Andalusia

Andalusia, Alabama, offers a glimpse into Southern living with its blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities. Nestled in Covington County, this city provides a community feel for its residents. Understanding the nuances of life in Andalusia is key for anyone considering a move to this part of the state.

The city’s atmosphere is shaped by its climate, demographics, and economic landscape. From its average temperatures to the local job market, each aspect contributes to the overall experience of living in Andalusia. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what makes Andalusia a unique place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Andalusia?

Andalusia’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with overall crime rates significantly higher than the national average. The city has a crime rate of 41.21 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Andalusia varies by neighborhood, with the southeast part of the city generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Specifically, violent crime rates in Andalusia are 85.9% higher than the national average, and property crime rates are 108.3% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). The overall crime rate in Andalusia surpasses the national average by 104.49% (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that Andalusia has one of the highest total crime rates in the United States.

The safety of specific neighborhoods can vary, with chances of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 17 in the northwest to 1 in 34 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While the overall statistics indicate a higher crime rate, localized data suggests that certain areas within Andalusia may offer a greater sense of security than others.

Cost of Living and Housing in Andalusia

The cost of living in Andalusia is notably more affordable than the national average. Overall living costs are 11% lower than the U.S. national average and 0% higher than Alabama’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

Housing costs in Andalusia are also significantly lower than the national average. The median property value was $153,200 in a recent period (as reported by Data USA), which is considerably less than the national median. The median home price was reported as $140,300 (as reported by Livability.com), and another source indicates a median home price of $156,000 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

For renters, the median monthly rent in Andalusia is approximately $817 (as reported by Zillow). This figure suggests that renting is a viable and potentially more affordable option for many residents. The homeownership rate in Andalusia is 62.3% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a significant portion of residents own their homes.

Job Market and Major Employers

The employment landscape in Andalusia is characterized by a diverse range of industries and employers. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Andalusia saw a decline of 5.05% (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing.

Key employers in the Andalusia area contribute significantly to the local economy. Shaw Industries, a carpet yarn manufacturer, is one of the largest employers, with approximately 1,050 employees (as reported by Business Alabama Magazine). PowerSouth, an electric cooperative, is another major employer with around 600 employees (as reported by Covington County Economic Development Commission).

Other significant employers include the Covington County School System (410 employees), Andalusia Regional Hospital (311 employees), and Mizell Memorial Hospital (235 employees) (as reported by Covington County Economic Development Commission). These major employers provide a substantial number of job opportunities within the community.

Climate and Weather in Andalusia

Andalusia experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The hot season typically lasts from mid-May to late September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 92°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 67°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 42°F and highs of 62°F (as reported by Wikipedia). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 42°F to 92°F, rarely falling below 28°F or exceeding 98°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation averages around 60 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). March typically sees the most rainfall, while October is the driest month (as reported by Wikipedia). Snowfall is rare and sporadic in Andalusia.

Education and Schools in Andalusia

Andalusia is served by the Andalusia City School District, which is highly rated and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has an overall Niche grade of A, with specific rankings for diversity and quality of teachers (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio within the district is 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Individual schools within the district also receive notable ratings. Andalusia High School has an A-minus Niche grade, with 509 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Niche). Andalusia Elementary School also holds a high rating, serving PK-6 grades (as reported by Niche).

According to state test scores, 47% of students in the Andalusia City School District are proficient in math and 53% in reading (as reported by Niche). These figures provide insight into the academic performance within the local school system.

Demographics of Andalusia

As of the most recent census data, Andalusia has a population of approximately 8,805 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The population has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 8,671 in 2026 (as reported by Andalusia, AL Population 2026). The median age in Andalusia is around 40.6 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Andalusia is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 63.7% of the population. Black or African American residents constitute about 27.2% of the population, with smaller percentages for multiracial and other ethnic groups (as reported by Census Reporter and Data USA). Hispanic residents make up about 4.1% of the population (as reported by Census Reporter).

The gender distribution shows slightly more females than males, with approximately 52.6% female and 47.4% male residents (as reported by Point2Homes). For every 100 females, there are about 88.1 males (as reported by Wikipedia).