Abilene, TX vs Birmingham, AL
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Abilene
77.5
#236 nationally
Birmingham
75
#508 nationally
Abilene leads in average commute (15.2 min vs 23.8 min). Abilene leads in median household income ($59,254 vs $38,838). Birmingham leads in walk score (36 vs 31).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.5 (#236) | 75 (#508) |
| Population | 129,043 | 196,644 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $222,710 | $137,168 |
| Median Household Income | $59,254 | $38,838 |
| Average Commute | 15.2 min | 23.8 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 11.6 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 84 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+49.8 | D+10.4 |
C+
77.5 Score
Abilene, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$222,710
Population
129,043
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
31
Southwest
View Abilene, TX →
C
75 Score
Birmingham, AL
Magic City reinventing itself
Median Home
$137,168
Population
196,644
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Southeast
View Birmingham, AL →