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Selma, AL

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Selma, AL

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Demographics

Predominantly BlackSimpson's Diversity Index: 32
Population17,442
Foreign Born1.8%
Population Density1,263people per mi²
Median Age39.4 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
DecliningSince 2010, this city's population has declined but racial composition has been relatively stable.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

52/100

48% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Selma, Alabama

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $12k$22k
Comfortable $20k$29k
Luxury $58k+$90k+
Elite (Top 5%) $93k+$144k+
Affordability Ratio

110%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean82%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
20
Positive
40
Poor
9
Negative
3

Groceries

4 within 10 miles

0.7mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

2.1mi

Airport

Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority

0mi

Post Office

USPS — Selma, AL

0.3mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

1 private club within 10 miles.

Golf2Nearest 4.7 mi
Camping20Nearest 13.5 mi
Marina0 
Winery0 
Ice Rink0Nearest 118.6 mi
Gun Range1Nearest 4.9 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
F
Distressed

A low-income area with significant economic hardship. Household wealth and educational attainment are well below national averages.

Median HHI
$32k+3.5%
57% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$147k
78% below US avg
College Educated
19.0%
46% below US avg
WFH
5.1%
64% below US avg
Homeownership
46.1%
30% below US avg
Median Home
$103k
64% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
D
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 72% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
25.9
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+26.6%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+8.8%
Homicide
0.31 / 1k Residents268% above state avg
Robbery
0.75 / 1k Residents149% above state avg
Aggravated Assault
6.02 / 1k Residents116% above state avg

Property Crime

5yr+44.4%
Burglary
4.58 / 1k Residents114% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
11.91 / 1k Residents10% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.88 / 1k Residents18% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+13Leans Liberal

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Selma, Alabama
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%200020042008

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B-
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C+
Weak9.8% of income
Property Rights
D
WeakIJ Grade D
Firearm Rights
A-
GreatFPC Grade A-
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (45% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
F
ProhibitedIllegal
Gambling Laws
F
ProhibitedTribal · Poker · Betting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season266 days346 frost-free
Annual Rainfall54.1"
Elevation151 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
B-
Defensible

Workable tactical position. Some exposure to population density or targets, but generally defensible in a crisis.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
A-
Good921 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak1,263/sq mi
Fallout Danger
B
Fair6 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
D
PoorInland Flooding
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 758 mi · coast 132 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$18.5M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CityAtlanta499k people are 178 mi away
Nearest Major AirportNo hub airport within 50 mi
Distance to State Capital42 miMontgomery, AL
Nearest Prison25 mi1 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T19:08:12.000Z

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