Is Center Point Safe, Pros and cons of living in Center Point

Center Point, Alabama, situated within the Birmingham metropolitan area, offers a blend of suburban living with accessible city amenities. The city’s history traces back to a small farming community, evolving significantly through development in the mid-20th century and officially incorporating in 2002. Today, Center Point is a diverse community with a strong sense of local pride.

The city spans approximately 6.2 square miles and is strategically located in northeastern Jefferson County. Its growth has been shaped by factors like the discovery of a viable water supply and the development of essential infrastructure. Center Point continues to evolve, focusing on creating a welcoming environment for both families and businesses.

Is it Safe to Live in Center Point?

Center Point experiences crime rates that are higher than the national average. Overall crime in Center Point is reported to be 6% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in particular are 17% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). There is a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Center Point (as reported by AreaVibes).

Further analysis indicates that Center Point has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation when compared to communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is also a concern, with a chance of becoming a victim of one in 24 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Alabama, over 98% of communities have a lower crime rate than Center Point (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Despite these statistics, some residents perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate is approximately 6.171 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime can vary by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 120 in the southeast to 1 in 240 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs in Center Point

The housing market in Center Point is described as somewhat competitive. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $156,000, representing a 9.6% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Center Point typically sell after 123 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

The median sale price per square foot in Center Point is $94, which is a 13.8% decrease since last year (as reported by Redfin). For those considering renting, the average rent in Center Point is $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range for all bedrooms and property types is between $710 and $2,300 (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Center Point’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 7,246 residents. The median household income in Center Point is $56,417, with a poverty rate of 14.33% (as reported by Population 2026). The rent-to-income ratio for renters in the area is 40.4%, indicating that housing expenses consume a significant portion of earnings (as reported by Point2Homes).

The city’s economic development mission focuses on creating opportunities for business growth, job creation, and strategic investments. Center Point is positioned as a favorable location for businesses seeking to start, expand, or relocate. The city offers a skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment, actively welcoming businesses of all sizes (as reported by City of Center Point Economic Development). Information on local businesses and resources is available through the Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce.

Climate in Center Point

Center Point, Alabama, experiences a typical humid subtropical climate. Summers are generally hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are mild, with average high temperatures in the 50s Fahrenheit and occasional drops below freezing.

The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, distributed relatively evenly across seasons, though thunderstorms are common during the warmer months. Snowfall is infrequent and usually light.

Schools in Center Point

Center Point is served by Jefferson County Schools. The public high school for the city is Center Point High School, serving grades 9-12 (as reported by Wikipedia). Erwin Middle School serves grades 6-8, and there are two public elementary schools: Erwin Intermediate School (grades 3-5) and Center Point Elementary School (K-2) (as reported by Wikipedia).

Center Point High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 1% of students are proficient in math and 7% in reading at Center Point High School (as reported by Niche). The school received an overall Niche grade of C-.

Demographics of Center Point

As of the 2020 census, Center Point had a population of 16,406 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The demographic makeup of the city is predominantly Black or African American, accounting for approximately 71.1% of the population, with White residents making up about 18.6% (as reported by Population 2026). Hispanic residents constitute around 6.8% of the population (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Center Point is 37.1 years (as reported by Population 2026). The population is distributed with about 20.3% under 15, 13.4% between 15 and 24, 29% between 25 and 44, 25.6% between 45 and 64, and 11.8% aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Major Employers and Economy

While specific major employers for Center Point are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, the city is part of the larger Birmingham metropolitan area, which has a diverse economic base. The city government itself is an employer, with Mayor Bobby Scott leading the administration (as reported by City of Center Point). The city actively promotes business growth and innovation, aiming to create job opportunities and attract strategic investments.

Center Point is recognized as a city that supports business development, welcoming various types of enterprises. The Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource for networking and business unification within the community. The city’s economic development mission is to establish it as an ideal place for both living and doing business.