Is Headland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Headland

Headland, Alabama, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a potential destination for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Situated in Henry County and part of the Dothan metropolitan area, Headland provides a community feel with access to larger city conveniences. The city’s growth and development have positioned it as a notable locale within southeastern Alabama. Residents often appreciate the close-knit atmosphere and the opportunities for a more relaxed lifestyle.

The town’s history is rooted in its founding as “Head’s Land” in 1871, evolving over the decades into the community it is today. Its strategic location and development have contributed to its standing as Henry County’s largest city for significant periods. This historical context provides a foundation for understanding the present-day character of Headland, a place that continues to balance its heritage with modern living.

Is it Safe to Live in Headland?

Headland presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Headland is 28.2% lower than the national average (Area Vibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 49% lower than the national average, with 10 reported violent crimes per 100,000 residents (Area Vibes). Property crimes also show a lower rate, being 24% below the national average (Area Vibes).

In terms of specific crime statistics, Headland recorded zero homicides in the latest reported crime year, contributing to a sense of security (Area Vibes). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Headland is approximately 1 in 546, and for property crime, it’s about 1 in 75 (Area Vibes). Year-over-year, crime rates have seen some fluctuations, with a reported increase of 1.2% in overall crime in the last reported crime report (Area Vibes).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes, which include offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are notably lower in Headland compared to national benchmarks. The city has a violent crime rate of 1.825 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org). This rate is significantly lower than the national average, positioning Headland favorably in terms of safety (CrimeGrade.org).

The east part of Headland is generally considered the safest area within the city. Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime can vary by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 359 in the north to 1 in 642 in the east (CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of violent crime in Headland for 2025 is estimated at $1,448,690, or approximately $186 per resident (CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, are also managed at a rate lower than the national average in Headland. The city recorded 73 property crimes, amounting to 1338 per 100,000 people, which is 24% lower than the national average (Area Vibes). The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is about 1 in 75 (Area Vibes).

When examining crime counts by area, the southwest parts of Headland experience the most incidents, with around 40 per year. Conversely, the northern part of the city has the fewest, with approximately 2 crimes annually (CrimeGrade.org). The projected cost of property crime in Headland for 2025 is estimated at $2,719,722, or approximately $349 per resident (Area Vibes).

Cost of Living in Headland

Headland offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those mindful of expenses. The overall cost of living in Headland is 17% lower than the national average (Payscale). This affordability extends to various categories, including housing, utilities, and transportation.

Housing expenses in Headland are notably lower, being 37% less than the national average (Payscale). The median home price in Headland was approximately $222,000 as of December 2025, showing a year-over-year increase of 2.7% (Prop:Metrics). The median listing price for homes is around $339,700 (Prop:Metrics).

Housing Costs

The median home value in Headland was approximately $224,992 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight decrease of 0.3% over the past year (Zillow). However, other sources indicate a median home price of $222,000 with a 2.7% year-over-year growth as of December 2025 (Prop:Metrics). Redfin reported a median sale price of $320K in March 2026, up 0.1% year-over-year (Redfin).

For renters, the median gross rent in Headland is $822 per month (Point2Homes). Other reports indicate the average rent for all bedroom counts and property types is $1,500 as of March 2026 (Zumper). Houses for rent in Headland have an average monthly cost of $1,600 (Zumper).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Headland also tend to be more affordable. Utility prices are 22% lower than the national average (Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 11% lower than the national average (Payscale).

Grocery prices in Headland are approximately 4% lower than the national average (Payscale). Healthcare expenses are also below the national average, by about 7% (Payscale). Overall, Headland’s cost of living is considered to be 10% lower than the U.S. national average (Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Headland’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employment sectors, though the overall employment has seen a slight decline. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Headland declined by 1.11% (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Headland stands at a low 1.5% (Point2Homes). This figure is significantly lower than the state average of 2.70% as of March 2026 (YCharts, Macrotrends). A low unemployment rate suggests a stable job market for those actively seeking employment.

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries contributing to employment in Headland include Health Care & Social Assistance, which employs a substantial number of residents (Data USA). Retail Trade and Educational Services are also significant sectors providing job opportunities within the city (Data USA).

While specific major employers are not detailed, the prevalence of these sectors indicates a demand for healthcare professionals, retail workers, and educators. The city’s connection to the Dothan metropolitan area also provides access to a broader range of employment opportunities in larger businesses and organizations.

Salaries and Wages

The average annual household income in Headland was reported as $97,229 in 2024 (Point2Homes). However, the median household income was $79,063, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year (Point2Homes, Census Reporter). The median wage in Headland is approximately $37.2K per year (ZipRecruiter).

For specific roles, the average salary for a laborer is $12.73 per hour (Indeed). The average annual salary for an average job in Headland is $41,000, or $19.71 per hour (Zippia). These figures provide a general overview of earning potential within the city.

Climate and Weather

Headland experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from 41°F to 91°F throughout the year and rarely falls below 28°F or exceeds 96°F (Weather Spark). The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 91°F and lows of 73°F (Weather Spark).

Winters are short and cool, with January being the coldest month. Average low temperatures in January are around 42°F, and average highs are about 60°F (Weather Spark). The city rarely experiences significant snowfall, with minimal accumulation annually (myPerfectWeather).

Temperature and Seasonal Variations

The hot season in Headland lasts for about 4.3 months, from mid-May to late September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F (Weather Spark). The cool season spans roughly 2.8 months, from December to late February, with daily high temperatures typically falling below 66°F (Weather Spark).

The average temperature in Headland hovers around 66.3°F annually (Headland Weather Records). The city enjoys approximately 154 days per year with comfortable weather, ideal for outdoor activities (myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Headland receives a moderate amount of annual precipitation, averaging around 53.66 inches per year (Headland Weather Records). March typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 5.1 inches, while October is the driest month with about 2.6 inches (Weather Spark).

Wet days are common, especially during the summer months. July averages the most wet days, with approximately 16.1 days experiencing rain (Weather Spark). Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, though summer months tend to be wetter (myPerfectWeather).

Demographics and Community

Headland is home to a population of approximately 5,217 residents, with a median age of 36.2 years (Point2Homes, Census Reporter). The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, accounting for about 81.8%, followed by Black or African American at approximately 14.3% (Point2Homes, Census Reporter).

The community is largely composed of families, with about 74.5% of households being family units (Point2Homes). The median age suggests a mix of age groups, with a significant portion of the population falling into the working-age brackets.

Population and Age Distribution

As of the most recent data, Headland has a population of 5,217 inhabitants (Point2Homes). The median age is 36.2 years, with 34.8 years for males and 37.5 years for females (Point2Homes, Census Reporter). Approximately 22.7% of the population are children under 15, and 15.7% are 65 or older (Point2Homes).

The distribution indicates a community with a substantial working-age population, balanced by younger and older demographics. For every 100 females, there are approximately 90.3 males in Headland (Census Reporter).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The demographic landscape of Headland is primarily White, constituting 81.8% of the population (Point2Homes, Census Reporter). Black or African American residents make up the second-largest group at 14.3% (Point2Homes, Census Reporter). Smaller percentages include residents identifying with two or more races (3.2%) and other racial categories (Point2Homes).

The population is largely comprised of U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage of naturalized citizens and non-citizens (Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a small portion of the population, around 1.42% (Data USA).

Education in Headland

Headland is served by the Henry County School District, which includes Headland Elementary School, Headland Middle School, and Headland High School. These schools collectively serve approximately 1,874 students (SchoolDigger). The district generally performs well within the state, with average math proficiency scores of 37% and reading proficiency scores of 56% (SchoolDigger).

Headland Elementary School has shown consistent improvement, ranking 234th out of 680 Alabama elementary schools (SchoolDigger). Headland Middle School is noted as a top performer, often ranking in the top 25% of middle schools in Alabama (SchoolDigger).

School Performance and Rankings

Headland Elementary School is ranked among the top public elementary schools in Alabama, with particular strengths in English proficiency (SchoolDigger). Headland Middle School is recognized for its strong academic performance, outperforming both district and state averages in English (SchoolDigger).

Headland High School also maintains a solid standing, ranking within the top 25% of Alabama high schools (SchoolDigger). The schools in Headland collectively have an average ranking of 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of Alabama public schools (SchoolDigger).

Student Demographics and Resources

The student body in Headland schools reflects the city’s demographics, with minority enrollment at approximately 26% (SchoolDigger). A notable percentage of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a significant economically disadvantaged student population across the schools (SchoolDigger).

While academic performance is generally strong, challenges such as chronic absenteeism have been noted, with rates increasing in recent years (SchoolDigger). The student-teacher ratios vary by school, with Headland Elementary at 18:1, Headland Middle at 19:1, and Headland High at 16:1 (SchoolDigger).

Pros and Cons of Living in Headland

Headland offers a compelling mix of affordability and a peaceful lifestyle, appealing to families and individuals seeking a change of pace. The lower cost of living, particularly in housing, makes it an attractive option compared to national averages (Payscale, Salary.com). The community’s safety, with crime rates below the national average, further enhances its appeal (Area Vibes).

The town’s family-centered atmosphere, coupled with above-average public schools, provides a supportive environment for raising children (Niche, SchoolDigger). Residents often appreciate the small-town feel and the sense of community that Headland provides.

Advantages of Headland

A significant advantage of living in Headland is its affordability. Housing expenses are considerably lower than the national average (Payscale, Prop:Metrics). The lower cost of living extends to utilities, transportation, and groceries, making everyday life more manageable (Payscale).

The city’s commitment to safety is evident in its crime statistics, which are well below national and state averages (Area Vibes, CrimeGrade.org). Headland also boasts a stable job market with a low unemployment rate, offering opportunities for employment (Point2Homes).

Disadvantages of Headland

One potential drawback for some may be the limited job market diversity and salary potential compared to larger metropolitan areas. While the average household income is substantial, the median wage is lower than some national benchmarks (Point2Homes, ZipRecruiter).

The climate, with its long, hot, and humid summers, might be a consideration for those sensitive to heat and humidity (Weather Spark). Additionally, while schools are generally well-regarded, specific areas like math proficiency at the high school level could present opportunities for improvement (SchoolDigger).