Is Moody Safe, Pros and cons of living in Moody
Is it Safe to Live in Moody?
Moody, Alabama, presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant careful consideration. The overall crime rate in Moody is reported to be 52% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 51% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This suggests a generally safer environment compared to many other areas across the country.
However, a closer look reveals nuances. While Moody is safer than 57% of U.S. cities, its crime rate is higher than 47% of cities and towns in Alabama of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Moody is approximately 1 in 99 (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also a factor, with 115 property crimes reported in a recent year, including larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary (according to Vertex AI Search). Despite these statistics, Moody is considered safer than most communities of similar population size across America according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data.
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Moody, Alabama, offers a relatively affordable entry point compared to national averages. The median home value in Moody is approximately $259,875 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight increase of 1.1% over the past year (according to Zillow). This median home value is also noted to be around $214,000 in another report, which is significantly lower than the national average (according to Kurby AI).
Rental prices in Moody are also competitive. The average rent for all property types is $1,789 per month as of May 2, 2026 (according to Zillow). Another report indicates the average rent in Moody is $996 per month, which is 39% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This affordability in both homeownership and rental markets makes Moody an attractive option for a range of budgets.
Homeownership and Rental Landscape
The homeownership rate in Moody is 74.1% (according to Data USA), indicating a strong preference for owning homes within the community. The median listing price for homes in Moody is $302,500, with a year-over-year sale price growth of 9.98% (according to Realtor.com® Research). This robust appreciation suggests a healthy and active real estate market.
For those considering renting, the market shows varied pricing. The average rent is $1,789 per month, with prices ranging from $850 to $2,075 (according to Zillow). Moody’s rental market is described as having limited availability, with only 12 listings, potentially leading to increased competition among renters (according to Realtor.com® Research).
Job Market and Economic Outlook
Moody, Alabama, offers a job market with an average annual salary of approximately $41,000, or $19.71 per hour (according to Zippia). Another source reports the average annual salary as $80,661 as of March 2026, with salaries typically ranging from $70,532 to $92,283 (according to a proprietary algorithm from a salary data provider). This wide range suggests variations based on industry, experience, and specific roles.
The unemployment rate in Alabama, as of May, is 3.0% (according to the Alabama Department of Labor). While specific unemployment data for Moody is not readily available, the state’s rate provides a general economic context. Major employers in the Moody area include large retail chains and service providers, indicating a diverse employment landscape.
Key Employers and Salary Insights
Major employers in Moody include well-known retail and service companies such as Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and U-Haul (according to Lensa). Other significant employers are found in the manufacturing sector, with companies like SKF and Ingersoll-Rand having a presence in or near the area (according to Indeed.com). These companies contribute to the local economy and provide a range of employment opportunities.
Salaries can vary significantly by role. For instance, while the average salary is around $41,000, specialized positions like a “Manager, Financial Operations” can earn approximately $97,834 annually (according to a proprietary algorithm). Conversely, roles like a laborer earn an average of $16.70 per hour (according to Indeed.com).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Moody, Alabama, experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and muggy summers, with short, cold, and wet winters. The temperature typically ranges from 35°F to 89°F throughout the year, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 21°F or above 95°F (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 71°F.
The area experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. March is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 4.9 inches, while August is the driest, averaging 2.9 inches (according to Weather Spark). The amount of cloud cover also varies seasonally, with January being the cloudiest month and October being the clearest.
Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation
The hot season in Moody generally spans from late May to late September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 82°F. Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late February, with daily high temperatures typically falling below 60°F. January sees the coldest temperatures, with average lows around 35°F.
Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with a noticeable peak in spring. The period from July to November tends to be drier, while the months from November to July are generally wetter. This pattern influences outdoor activities and agricultural practices in the region.
Education and School Ratings
Moody, Alabama, is served by public schools within the St. Clair County School System. Moody Elementary School receives an overall Niche grade of B+, with specific rankings highlighting it as above average among public elementary schools in Alabama (according to Niche). For example, it is ranked #222 out of 721 public elementary schools in the state.
Moody High School holds a B- grade, indicating a solid but not exceptional performance compared to other high schools in the state. Its rankings place it #152 out of 167 for STEM education in Alabama and #166 out of 388 for diversity (according to Niche). These ratings provide a general overview of the educational opportunities available to residents.
Moody Elementary and High School Performance
Moody Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten to third grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. State test scores indicate that 53% of students are proficient in math and 74% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). This performance places it among the better elementary schools in the county, ranking #2 out of 12 in St. Clair County.
Moody High School, which serves grades 9-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. State test scores show 20% proficiency in math and 27% in reading. While Moody High School is rated above average within St. Clair County, its statewide and district-wide rankings suggest room for improvement in certain academic areas (according to Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Moody, Alabama, is home to a population of approximately 13,500 residents, with a slight growth observed since the 2020 census (according to Data USA and World Population Review). The community is predominantly White, making up about 78.6% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 11.6% (according to World Population Review). Other racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanic and Asian populations, constitute smaller percentages of the demographic makeup.
The median age in Moody is around 43.5 years, indicating a community with a significant proportion of older adults (according to World Population Review). The homeownership rate is high at 74.1%, and the vast majority of residents are U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). The community is largely composed of single-family homes, with a strong sense of local identity and participation in community events.
Population Trends and Diversity
Moody’s population has seen a modest increase, with current estimates placing it slightly above 13,488 residents (according to World Population Review). The demographic composition has shifted slightly, with an increase in racial diversity since the 2020 Census, though it remains less diverse than Alabama as a whole (according to Census Dots). The White population has grown, but its share of the total population has decreased slightly.
The Hispanic population in Moody is around 3.2%, which is slightly lower than the state average. While the Hispanic population has seen a slight decline, its share of the total population has remained relatively stable. The community’s diversity index is lower than the state’s overall diversity index, suggesting a more homogenous population compared to Alabama at large (according to Census Dots).