Birmingham, AL
35203
Jefferson County County · Alabama · Pop. 8,420
Last updated: May 2026
Birmingham, Alabama (ZIP code 35203) is home to approximately 8,420 residents. The median household income in 35203 is $54,791, which is 23% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 35203 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $213,627 and the average rent is $903/month. 35203 has a violent crime rate of 482.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 27% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A-. 35203 is served by with an average school rating of 5.8/10. Air quality in 35203 is rated Good with an average AQI of 43.1. The average commute time in 35203 is 31 minutes, 3 minutes above the national average. Compare 35203 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters in this area spend approximately 20% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.9x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Birmingham (35203) has higher-than-average violent crime rates at 27% above the US average. Review specific crime types below for more detail.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 35203
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington High School | public | 5/10 | 700 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 35203 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Birmingham, AL (35203)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $213,627 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $903/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 43.1 (rated "Good" by EPA standards)
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Higher-than-average crime - violent crime rate 27% above US average
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 35203
What is the population of 35203? ▼
The population of ZIP code 35203 in Birmingham, Alabama is approximately 8,420 people.
Is 35203 safe to live in? ▼
Birmingham (35203) has higher-than-average violent crime rates at 27% above the US average. Review specific crime types below for more detail. Safety Grade: A-.
What is the median income in 35203? ▼
The median household income in 35203 (Birmingham, Alabama) is $54,791. The per capita income is $35,614. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 35203? ▼
Renters in this area spend approximately 20% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.9x the median income. Median home value: $213,627. Average rent: $903/month.
What are schools like in 35203? ▼
Schools in 35203 receive an Education Grade of D. There are 1 schools with an average rating of 5.8/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 35203? ▼
The violent crime rate in 35203 is 482.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2777.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 35203? ▼
The median monthly rent in 35203 (Birmingham, Alabama) is $903/month. The national median rent is $1,163/month. This ZIP code is more affordable than the national average for renters.
What is the median home value in 35203? ▼
The median home value in 35203 (Birmingham, Alabama) is $213,627. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 35203 a good place to live? ▼
35203 (Birmingham, Alabama) has a ZipScore of 55/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). This area has some advantages but also tradeoffs - review each section.
What is the air quality in 35203? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 35203 is 43.1 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 6.9 µg/m³.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), FBI Uniform Crime Report, EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index, and Open-Meteo. Last updated: May 2026