Birmingham, AL
35204
Jefferson County County · Alabama · Pop. 34,180
Last updated: May 2026
Birmingham, Alabama (ZIP code 35204) is home to approximately 34,180 residents. The median household income in 35204 is $31,510, which is 55% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 35204 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $105,116 and the average rent is $688/month. 35204 has a violent crime rate of 921.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 142% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of D-. 35204 is served by with an average school rating of 4.6/10. Air quality in 35204 is rated Moderate with an average AQI of 52.7. The average commute time in 35204 is 32 minutes, 4 minutes above the national average. Compare 35204 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters spend about 26% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.3x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Birmingham (35204) has significantly elevated violent crime rates. We recommend researching specific neighborhoods within this ZIP code.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 35204
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Middle School | public | 5/10 | 488 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 35204 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Birmingham, AL (35204)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $105,116 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $688/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Higher-than-average crime - violent crime rate 142% above US average
- − Below-average income - median household income of $31,510
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 35204
What is the population of 35204? ▼
The population of ZIP code 35204 in Birmingham, Alabama is approximately 34,180 people.
Is 35204 safe to live in? ▼
Birmingham (35204) has significantly elevated violent crime rates. We recommend researching specific neighborhoods within this ZIP code. Safety Grade: D-.
What is the median income in 35204? ▼
The median household income in 35204 (Birmingham, Alabama) is $31,510. The per capita income is $20,482. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 35204? ▼
Renters spend about 26% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.3x the median income. Median home value: $105,116. Average rent: $688/month.
What are schools like in 35204? ▼
Schools in 35204 receive an Education Grade of F. There are 1 schools with an average rating of 4.6/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 35204? ▼
The violent crime rate in 35204 is 921.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 3680.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 35204? ▼
The median monthly rent in 35204 (Birmingham, Alabama) is $688/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 35204? ▼
The median home value in 35204 (Birmingham, Alabama) is $105,116. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 35204 a good place to live? ▼
35204 (Birmingham, Alabama) has a ZipScore of 39/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). Review all data sections carefully.
What is the air quality in 35204? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 35204 is 52.7 - rated Moderate by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 7.4 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