According to data from the Zillow Home Value Index, Alabama offers some of the most affordable housing markets in the United States. The following analysis reveals fascinating patterns in home value growth across Alabama’s least expensive markets over the past fifteen years.
What might surprise you is the dramatic variation in growth patterns among these affordably priced communities. While some towns have experienced explosive growth exceeding 100% since 2010, others like Prichard have actually seen home values decline by 25% during the same period. This disparity highlights how even within affordable markets, investment potential can vary significantly.
You’ll notice that many of these least expensive communities are clustered around metropolitan areas like Birmingham and Mobile, suggesting that affordable housing options exist even within commuting distance of major employment centers. The data also reveals that 2020-2025 was generally a period of positive growth for most communities, indicating recovery and stabilization following earlier market fluctuations.
25. Gadsden
- 2025 Home Value: $97,739
- 2020 Home Value: $77,452
- 2015 Home Value: $71,401
- 2010 Home Value: $67,344
- Change from 2020-2025: 26.19%
- Change from 2015-2025: 36.89%
- Change from 2010-2025: 45.14%
As the anchor of the Gadsden metropolitan area in northeastern Alabama, Gadsden tops our list with steady, consistent growth across all measured periods. You’ll notice the reliable upward trajectory from $67,344 in 2010 to $97,739 in 2025, representing a healthy 45.14% appreciation over 15 years. Unlike many communities that experienced decline around 2015, Gadsden maintained growth momentum throughout, with values increasing 36.89% from 2015 to 2025. The robust 26.19% growth from 2020-2025 indicates continuing strength in this market. As the largest city on our list, Gadsden offers more urban amenities while still maintaining housing costs well below national averages.
24. Mount Vernon
- 2025 Home Value: $97,079
- 2020 Home Value: $84,726
- 2015 Home Value: $67,850
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 14.58%
- Change from 2015-2025: 43.08%
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Just north of Mobile in southwestern Alabama, Mount Vernon shows solid long-term growth with home values increasing 43.08% from $67,850 in 2015 to $97,079 in 2025. The more moderate 14.58% growth from 2020-2025 suggests a slowing but still positive appreciation rate in recent years. This historic town, originally established as the first seat of the Mississippi Territory, offers a blend of historical significance and affordable housing within commuting distance of Mobile. The consistent appreciation over the past decade indicates a stable market with steady growth rather than the volatility seen in some other communities.
23. East Brewton
- 2025 Home Value: $95,832
- 2020 Home Value: $61,825
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 55.00%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Adjacent to the city of Brewton in southern Alabama, East Brewton demonstrates impressive recent growth with home values increasing a remarkable 55.00% from $61,825 in 2020 to $95,832 in 2025. This dramatic five-year appreciation rate suggests significant positive change in this small community. While lacking earlier historical data for broader context, the strong recent performance indicates growing demand or community improvements driving property values upward. East Brewton’s combination of still-affordable prices and strong recent appreciation makes it potentially interesting for value-conscious homebuyers seeking markets with demonstrated growth potential.
22. Hurtsboro
- 2025 Home Value: $95,644
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: N/A
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
In Russell County near the Georgia border, Hurtsboro provides affordable housing with an average home value of $95,644 in 2025. This small rural community lacks historical data for previous years, making growth analysis impossible. Its location approximately 30 miles southwest of Columbus, Georgia potentially makes it an option for those working in the larger city but seeking more affordable housing options. While the absence of historical data limits our understanding of market trends, Hurtsboro’s current pricing places it among Alabama’s more affordable communities while offering the benefits of small-town rural living.
21. Sardis
- 2025 Home Value: $93,343
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: N/A
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Located near Gadsden in northeastern Alabama, Sardis City offers affordable housing with an average home value of $93,343 in 2025. Unfortunately, historical data for previous years is not available, making it impossible to track growth patterns for this community. The town’s location provides access to natural amenities like Lake Guntersville and Lookout Mountain, potentially making it attractive for those seeking outdoor recreation alongside affordable housing. Despite lacking historical context, Sardis remains among Alabama’s more budget-friendly communities while offering proximity to Gadsden’s employment opportunities.
20. Midway
- 2025 Home Value: $90,798
- 2020 Home Value: $83,210
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 9.12%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Situated in Bullock County in southeastern Alabama, Midway shows moderate recent growth with home values increasing 9.12% from $83,210 in 2020 to $90,798 in 2025. This growth rate, while positive, is more modest than many other communities in our analysis. Without earlier historical data, it’s difficult to place this growth in longer context, but the relatively slower appreciation in recent years may indicate a more stable market. Midway offers affordable housing in a rural setting while maintaining reasonable proximity to Montgomery, allowing residents to balance small-town living with access to urban amenities.
19. Fairfield
- 2025 Home Value: $88,806
- 2020 Home Value: $70,012
- 2015 Home Value: $57,519
- 2010 Home Value: $60,014
- Change from 2020-2025: 26.85%
- Change from 2015-2025: 54.39%
- Change from 2010-2025: 47.98%
Just outside Birmingham, Fairfield shows consistent growth across all measured periods with home values increasing from $60,014 in 2010 to $88,806 in 2025, representing a solid 47.98% appreciation. After experiencing a slight dip to $57,519 in 2015, the market rebounded strongly with 54.39% growth over the following decade. The healthy 26.85% increase from 2020-2025 indicates continuing positive momentum. Fairfield’s proximity to Birmingham and U.S. Steel’s Fairfield Works (though operations have been reduced) has influenced its housing market, creating opportunities for affordable housing within commuting distance of metropolitan amenities.
18. Maytown
- 2025 Home Value: $88,680
- 2020 Home Value: $61,430
- 2015 Home Value: $48,674
- 2010 Home Value: $59,013
- Change from 2020-2025: 44.36%
- Change from 2015-2025: 82.19%
- Change from 2010-2025: 50.27%
Within Jefferson County near Birmingham, Maytown displays a fascinating growth pattern with significant appreciation after a period of decline. Home values initially dropped from $59,013 in 2010 to $48,674 in 2015, but have since rebounded dramatically with an 82.19% increase to reach $88,680 by 2025. The impressive 44.36% growth just in the last five years suggests accelerating appreciation. Overall, the 50.27% increase from 2010 to 2025 demonstrates strong long-term performance despite earlier setbacks. Maytown’s combination of metropolitan proximity and strong recent growth makes it potentially attractive for those seeking affordable housing with appreciation potential.
17. Trafford
- 2025 Home Value: $82,189
- 2020 Home Value: $63,223
- 2015 Home Value: $47,290
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 30.00%
- Change from 2015-2025: 86.88%
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Located in Jefferson County within the Birmingham metropolitan area, Trafford has experienced remarkable appreciation with home values increasing 86.88% from $47,290 in 2015 to $82,189 in 2025. The strong 30.00% growth from 2020-2025 indicates continuing momentum in this market. Trafford’s explosive growth while maintaining relatively affordable prices suggests increasing buyer interest in this community, possibly due to its position within commuting distance of Birmingham employment centers. This combination of strong appreciation and still-accessible pricing makes Trafford an interesting case study in how smaller communities can sometimes outperform expectations.
16. Bayou La Batre
- 2025 Home Value: $81,817
- 2020 Home Value: $70,373
- 2015 Home Value: $56,686
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 16.26%
- Change from 2015-2025: 44.33%
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the fishing community of Bayou La Batre (made famous in the film “Forrest Gump”) shows strong long-term growth with values increasing 44.33% from 2015 to 2025. You’ll find that home values have risen from $56,686 in 2015 to $81,817 in 2025, with a steady 16.26% growth just in the last five years. This coastal community offers a unique lifestyle centered around the seafood industry while maintaining housing costs well below those of nearby vacation destinations. The consistent appreciation suggests resilience in a community that has faced challenges from natural disasters over the years.
15. Aliceville
- 2025 Home Value: $80,777
- 2020 Home Value: $68,794
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 17.42%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Situated in Pickens County near Alabama’s western border, Aliceville shows steady recent growth with home values increasing 17.42% from $68,794 in 2020 to $80,777 in 2025. While this growth rate is more modest than some other communities in our analysis, it demonstrates consistent appreciation in this small rural town. Without earlier data points, it’s difficult to place this growth in a longer historical context, but the positive five-year trend suggests a stable market. Aliceville offers the affordability of a small town while maintaining reasonable distance to larger cities like Tuscaloosa.
14. Tuskegee
- 2025 Home Value: $79,705
- 2020 Home Value: $61,578
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 29.44%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
The historically significant city of Tuskegee, home to Tuskegee University and the legacy of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, shows healthy growth in recent years. With values increasing 29.44% from $61,578 in 2020 to $79,705 in 2025, this Macon County community demonstrates solid appreciation while maintaining affordability. Though earlier historical data isn’t available, the strong five-year growth rate suggests positive momentum in this market. Tuskegee’s rich cultural significance combined with affordable housing costs makes it a unique option for those seeking community connection alongside housing value.
13. Orrville
- 2025 Home Value: $77,871
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: N/A
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Located in Dallas County in Alabama’s Black Belt region, Orrville offers affordable housing with an average home value of $77,871 in 2025. This small rural community lacks historical data for previous years, making growth analysis impossible. The absence of historical data might indicate limited real estate transactions in this small town or recent inclusion in Zillow’s tracking. Despite the missing historical context, Orrville’s current pricing places it among Alabama’s more affordable communities while offering the charm and pace of small-town living approximately 15 miles west of Selma.
12. Midfield
- 2025 Home Value: $77,668
- 2020 Home Value: $58,398
- 2015 Home Value: $38,117
- 2010 Home Value: $38,048
- Change from 2020-2025: 33.00%
- Change from 2015-2025: 103.76%
- Change from 2010-2025: 104.13%
In Jefferson County within the Birmingham metropolitan area, Midfield stands out with the most impressive long-term growth among our analyzed communities. You’ll be amazed by the remarkable 104.13% appreciation from 2010 to 2025, effectively doubling home values from $38,048 to $77,668. The growth pattern shows values remained flat between 2010-2015 before accelerating dramatically with 33.00% growth just in the last five years. This combination of strong appreciation and still-affordable prices makes Midfield particularly noteworthy for value-conscious investors seeking markets with proven growth potential.
11. Tarrant
- 2025 Home Value: $73,152
- 2020 Home Value: $55,464
- 2015 Home Value: $38,039
- 2010 Home Value: $43,006
- Change from 2020-2025: 31.89%
- Change from 2015-2025: 92.30%
- Change from 2010-2025: 70.10%
Nestled in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area, Tarrant showcases impressive long-term growth despite its affordability. After experiencing a dip to $38,039 in 2015, home values have rebounded spectacularly with 92.30% growth over the next decade to reach $73,152 in 2025. The consistently strong growth rate of 31.89% between 2020-2025 indicates continuing positive momentum. Overall appreciation of 70.10% since 2010 demonstrates that even among Alabama’s most affordable markets, Tarrant has delivered substantial returns for homeowners while maintaining relatively accessible price points.
10. West End-Cobb Town
- 2025 Home Value: $72,515
- 2020 Home Value: $69,777
- 2015 Home Value: $116,855
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 3.92%
- Change from 2015-2025: -37.94%
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
West End-Cobb Town presents one of the more unusual market patterns in our analysis. You’ll notice the dramatic decline of 37.94% from 2015 to 2025, suggesting significant market challenges during this period. Home values fell substantially from $116,855 in 2015 to $69,777 in 2020, before stabilizing with modest 3.92% growth to $72,515 by 2025. This community demonstrates how local factors can drive housing markets in directions contrary to broader trends, and serves as a reminder that affordability sometimes comes with market volatility.
9. York
- 2025 Home Value: $67,960
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: N/A
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Located in Sumter County in western Alabama, York offers affordable housing with an average home value of $67,960 in 2025. Unfortunately, historical data for previous years is not available, making it impossible to track growth patterns for this small community. The town’s location near the Mississippi border and connection to the University of West Alabama in nearby Livingston makes York an interesting option for those seeking small-town living at accessible price points. Despite lacking historical data, the current affordability level places York firmly among Alabama’s budget-friendly housing markets.
8. Mulga
- 2025 Home Value: $60,314
- 2020 Home Value: $40,064
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 50.55%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Within the Birmingham metropolitan area, Mulga stands out with remarkable recent growth as home values surged 50.55% between 2020 and 2025. From a 2020 average of $40,064, values have climbed to $60,314 by 2025. Without earlier historical data available, it’s difficult to place this growth in a longer context, but the dramatic five-year appreciation rate suggests Mulga may be experiencing significant positive change. This impressive growth rate combined with still-affordable prices could make Mulga worth considering for value-conscious homebuyers seeking potential appreciation.
7. McDonald Chapel
- 2025 Home Value: $60,136
- 2020 Home Value: $49,719
- 2015 Home Value: $34,084
- 2010 Home Value: $48,758
- Change from 2020-2025: 20.96%
- Change from 2015-2025: 76.43%
- Change from 2010-2025: 23.33%
McDonald Chapel’s housing market tells a story of resilience and recovery that you might find encouraging. Following the pattern of several Birmingham area communities, home values here declined significantly after 2010, bottoming out at $34,084 in 2015 before staging an impressive comeback. The remarkable 76.43% growth from 2015 to 2025 brought values well past their previous highs to $60,136. With consistent growth of 20.96% just in the last five years, McDonald Chapel demonstrates both affordability and a healthy growth trajectory.
6. Edgewater
- 2025 Home Value: $59,109
- 2020 Home Value: $40,866
- 2015 Home Value: $33,719
- 2010 Home Value: $44,369
- Change from 2020-2025: 44.64%
- Change from 2015-2025: 75.30%
- Change from 2010-2025: 33.22%
Tucked within Jefferson County, Edgewater demonstrates impressive recovery and growth over the examined period. You’ll find that home values initially declined from $44,369 in 2010 to a low of $33,719 in 2015, but have since rebounded dramatically with a 75.30% increase from 2015 to 2025. The robust 44.64% growth just in the last five years signals strong momentum in this market. Overall appreciation of 33.22% since 2010 reveals that Edgewater has not only recovered from earlier losses but has continued to build value, making it potentially attractive for affordable housing with appreciation potential.
5. Lipscomb
- 2025 Home Value: $57,622
- 2020 Home Value: $39,303
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 46.61%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Just outside Birmingham lies Lipscomb, a community experiencing strong recent appreciation with home values jumping 46.61% between 2020 and 2025. At $57,622 for the average home in 2025, this Birmingham-Hoover metro area town offers affordable housing with promising growth trends. Although historical data prior to 2020 isn’t available, the significant five-year appreciation rate might indicate growing demand or community improvements that are driving property values upward at an accelerated pace.
4. Selma
- 2025 Home Value: $57,453
- 2020 Home Value: $53,879
- 2015 Home Value: $57,559
- 2010 Home Value: $53,120
- Change from 2020-2025: 6.63%
- Change from 2015-2025: -0.18%
- Change from 2010-2025: 8.16%
The historic city of Selma shows relatively stable home values over the 15-year period, with modest overall growth of 8.16% from 2010 to 2025. What’s interesting is the cyclical pattern in Selma’s housing market – values peaked in 2015 at $57,559, declined to $53,879 by 2020, and then recovered to $57,453 by 2025. The negligible -0.18% change from 2015 to 2025 indicates a market that has essentially moved sideways for a decade, potentially offering predictable costs for homebuyers but limited appreciation for investors.
3. Prichard
- 2025 Home Value: $52,280
- 2020 Home Value: $48,757
- 2015 Home Value: $45,893
- 2010 Home Value: $69,803
- Change from 2020-2025: 7.23%
- Change from 2015-2025: 13.92%
- Change from 2010-2025: -25.10%
Situated in the Mobile metropolitan area, Prichard presents a complex housing market story with significant valuation swings over 15 years. You’ll notice the dramatic 25.10% decline from 2010 to 2025, with home values dropping from $69,803 to $52,280. However, the market appears to have bottomed out around 2015 at $45,893, as values have increased 13.92% since then. The modest 7.23% growth from 2020-2025 suggests a stabilizing market, though recovery to 2010 levels remains distant.
2. Brighton
- 2025 Home Value: $43,599
- 2020 Home Value: $28,390
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: 53.57%
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Nestled within the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area, Brighton shows remarkable recent growth with home values increasing 53.57% between 2020 and 2025. Despite this impressive growth rate, homes remain extremely affordable at an average value of $43,599 in 2025. While earlier historical data isn’t available, the substantial five-year appreciation rate suggests Brighton may be experiencing revitalization or increased interest from homebuyers seeking affordable options within the larger Birmingham metro region.
1. Selmont-West Selmont
- 2025 Home Value: $29,931
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2020-2025: N/A
- Change from 2015-2025: N/A
- Change from 2010-2025: N/A
Located in the Selma metropolitan area, Selmont-West Selmont ranks as the most affordable town in Alabama with an average home value of just $29,931 in 2025. Unfortunately, historical data for 2010, 2015, and 2020 is not available, making it difficult to track growth patterns for this community. The extremely low home values in this area suggest potential opportunities for first-time homebuyers, though prospective buyers should investigate local economic conditions and community amenities before investing.
