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Retirement community in Sylacauga, Alabama

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Sylacauga, Alabama Retirement Guide

73

Retirement Score

Sylacauga, Alabama at a Glance

Median Home Price
$159,000
State Income Tax
State income tax; Social Security and defined-benefit pensions fully exempt.
Avg January Low
38.1°F
Cost of Living Index
88 (US avg = 100)
RetireCityIQ Score
73 / 100

Overview

Explore the key retirement factors for Sylacauga, Alabama, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.

Cost of Living

Affordability Metrics

Cost of Living Index
88 (U.S. avg = 100)Medium confidence
BEA Regional Price Parities · Updated May 2026
Median Household Income
$46,137High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Sylacauga's cost of living is 12% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.

Housing

Real Estate & Housing

Median Home Price
$159,000High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Monthly Rent
$695High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Owner-Occupied Housing
54.0%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)

Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Sylacauga using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.

Estimated monthly carrying cost

$345

Stress-case monthly carrying cost

$387

Median home price used: $159,000

Median rent reference: $695 / month

Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.

Budget validation

Calculate if your savings last in this city

Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Sylacauga, Alabama after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.

Open the RetireFree Calculator →

Healthcare

Access & Quality

Healthcare Access Score
94.4 / 100High confidence
CMS Hospital General Information · Updated September 2026
Care Access (Proxy)
94.4 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026
Aging-in-Place Score
38.3 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026

Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Sylacauga scores 94.4 out of 100 for healthcare access.

Care planning link

Find local assisted living in Sylacauga

If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.

Assisted living in Sylacauga

Taxes

State Tax Climate

Retirement Tax Score
60 / 100High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026
Tax Details
State income tax; Social Security and defined-benefit pensions fully exempt.High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026

Alabama has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.

Climate

Weather & Environment

Avg July High
89.5°FMedium confidence
Avg January Low
38.1°FMedium confidence
Annual Precipitation
52.2"Medium confidence
Sunny Days / Year
304 daysMedium confidence

With 304 sunny days a year and an average January low of 38.1°F, Sylacauga offers a traditional winter climate.

Safety & Walkability

Community Safety

Safety Score
88.5 / 100Medium confidence
FBI Crime Data Explorer · Updated June 2026

Walkability

Walk Score (proxy)
6.2 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026
Transit Score (proxy)
0.7 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026

Demographics

Population Profile

Population
12,465High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Age
37.2High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Age 65+
18.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Veterans
6.0%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Bachelor's Degree+
16.5%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Diversity Breakdown

White
64.1%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Black
31.1%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Hispanic/Latino
1.9%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Asian
0.0%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Sylacauga

What is the cost of living in Sylacauga, Alabama for retirees?

The cost-of-living index is 88, roughly 12% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $159,000.

Does Alabama tax Social Security or retirement income?

For Alabama residents: State income tax; Social Security and defined-benefit pensions fully exempt.

What is the climate like in Sylacauga, Alabama?

Sylacauga, Alabama has January average low around 38°F, July average high around 90°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

What is healthcare access like in Sylacauga, Alabama?

Sylacauga scores 94/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a top-tier score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).

Interested in Sylacauga? Talk to a Local Expert.

State Preferences (select all that interest you)

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