Florence, AL, US
Historic Tennessee Valley city with music heritage, affordable living, and riverfront charm.
Overview
Florence is a city in AL with a population of 40,000. Historic Tennessee Valley city with music heritage, affordable living, and riverfront charm. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Florence vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,174
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 40,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 200 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: $190,000
- 1BR Rent: $800/mo
Cost of Living
Florence's cost of living index is 84 (US average = 100).
| Category | Florence | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
| Housing | 86 | 100 | -14.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $190,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $126 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Florence:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $107 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $57 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $11 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $310 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Florence scores 78/100 for remote work readiness:
Walkability
How easy it is to get around Florence without a car, based on the EPA National Walkability Index.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index (2021)
Climate
Florence has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Florence faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat with high humidity.
Gulf Coast affected by hurricanes.
Dixie Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Coastal and river flooding.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.4% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Florence per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Florence is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Florence, AL, US?
The cost of living index in Florence is 84, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Florence?
The median home price in Florence is $190,000. The housing index is 86.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Florence is approximately $800/mo.
Does Florence, AL have income tax?
Florence is in AL, which has an income tax rate of 5%.
What is the climate like in Florence?
Florence enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: October 23, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.