Is Calera Safe, Pros and cons of living in Calera
Calera, Alabama, is a growing city located within the Birmingham metropolitan area, offering a blend of suburban comfort and accessibility to urban amenities. The city is situated in both Shelby and Chilton counties, providing a strategic location with easy access to major highways like Interstate 65. Its appeal lies in its community atmosphere, proximity to natural attractions, and a developing economic landscape.
The city’s population has seen steady growth, attracting new residents with its housing options and quality of life. Calera is known for its family-friendly environment, with a significant portion of its residents being families and young professionals. The community is characterized by a generally conservative demographic, contributing to its small-town charm.
Is it Safe to Live in Calera?
Calera presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Calera is 26% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to an average of 0.8 daily crimes, with a smaller portion being violent incidents.
Violent crimes in Calera are also significantly lower than the national average, by 35% (according to AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Calera is approximately 1 in 421 residents annually. Property crimes, while more common than violent crimes, also remain below the national average, with a rate that is 24.5% lower than the national average.
While the city’s overall safety record is positive, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Residents often consider the southeast part of Calera to be the safest area. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 32 in the southwest neighborhoods to a much lower 1 in 76 in the southeast. The total projected cost of crime in Calera for 2025 is estimated at $6,404,904, which is approximately $331 per resident (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Calera
The cost of living in Calera, Alabama, is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Living costs in Calera are 3% lower than the U.S. national average and 74% lower than Alabama’s state average (according to Salary.com). This affordability is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively.
Housing expenses in Calera are notable. While some sources indicate housing costs are 12% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), others suggest they are 17.2% lower at $994 per month for a single person (according to Salary.com). The median home value in Calera is around $235,300 (according to Data USA and Niche), with appreciation rates near the national average over the past decade (according to NeighborhoodScout). Rental prices offer another perspective, with an average rent of $1,717 per month (according to Zillow), though other sources place the median rent around $1,595 (according to Zumper).
Other cost factors include utilities, which are about 4% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Transportation expenses, however, are notably lower, being 11% less than the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are on par with the national average, showing no significant difference (according to Payscale), while healthcare costs are approximately 10% lower than the national average (according to Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Calera’s economy is supported by a growing workforce and a diverse range of industries. Employment in Calera grew by 1.25% between 2023 and 2024, with approximately 9,870 employees (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Finance & Insurance.
The job market is powered by a variety of roles, with Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations being the most common job groups. The unemployment rate in Calera is low, standing at 2.7% (according to Point2Homes), indicating a robust job market with ample opportunities for those seeking employment.
Salaries in Calera vary by profession and experience. The average annual salary is approximately $43,014, equating to about $20.68 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary of $64,834 annually, or $31 per hour (according to SalaryExpert). Major employers in the area contribute to this economic activity, though specific company names are not consistently highlighted across all data sources.
Climate and Weather
Calera experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (according to Wikipedia). The city’s weather patterns are typical for the region, with distinct seasonal variations.
Summers in Calera are long, hot, and muggy, typically lasting from late May through September. During this period, average daily high temperatures exceed 83°F, with July being the hottest month. July sees average high temperatures around 90°F and lows of 72°F (according to Weather Spark). Winters are short and generally mild, with temperatures rarely dropping significantly below freezing.
The city receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year. February is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5.2 inches of rain. Conversely, October receives the least rainfall, averaging 2.9 inches (according to Weather Spark). The annual precipitation is around 58 inches (according to myPerfectWeather and Time and Date), with snowfall being minimal.
Education in Calera
Calera is served by the Shelby County School District, which provides educational opportunities for students from elementary through high school. The district includes Calera Elementary School (grades K-2), Calera Intermediate School (grades 3-5), and Calera High School (grades 9-12).
School performance in Calera shows some variation. Calera High School is ranked 137 out of 378 Alabama high schools, with a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger. While it boasts a 90.0% four-year graduation rate, its test scores are below the state and county averages. Calera Intermediate School demonstrates stronger academic performance, with higher proficiency rates in mathematics, science, and English compared to the high school.
A significant portion of students in Calera schools come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with high rates of free or reduced lunch eligibility. Chronic absenteeism is also a challenge across the district, potentially impacting academic outcomes. Despite these challenges, Calera Elementary School has received positive reviews for its welcoming environment and dedicated staff (according to Homes.com and Niche).
Demographics and Housing
As of the most recent data, Calera is home to approximately 17,700 residents (according to Data USA and Livability.com). The population is diverse, with White residents forming the largest demographic group, followed by Black or African American residents. Hispanic or Latino individuals also represent a notable portion of the population.
The median age in Calera is around 34 years, with a relatively balanced gender distribution. The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a high homeownership rate of 79.3% (according to Data USA). This indicates a stable community where most residents have invested in their homes.
Housing in Calera offers a range of options, with single-family detached homes being the most common type. The median home value is approximately $235,300 (according to Data USA and Niche), which is near the national average. The rental market is also active, with average rents varying by the number of bedrooms, generally ranging from $1,130 for a one-bedroom to $1,650 for a three-bedroom apartment (according to Zillow).
Pros and Cons of Living in Calera
Calera offers several advantages for its residents. The city provides a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing and transportation expenses (according to Salary.com and Payscale). Its crime rates are also lower than the national and state averages, contributing to a sense of security (according to AreaVibes).
The job market is stable and growing, with a low unemployment rate and diverse employment opportunities across various sectors (according to Data USA). Families may appreciate the availability of schools within the Shelby County School District, though academic performance varies among them. The community atmosphere, with a majority of residents owning their homes, fosters a sense of stability and belonging.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. While overall crime is lower than average, specific neighborhoods may experience higher rates. Educational outcomes at the high school level present challenges, with test scores below state averages and issues like chronic absenteeism (according to SchoolDigger). Some sources cite housing costs as being higher than the national average, which could be a concern for budget-conscious individuals (according to Payscale).