The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 35603 sells for about $283,000, or $145 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 48 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $910 a month.
ZIP 35603 — Decatur
The 35603 housing market shows steady, moderate growth with home values appreciating at a sustainable pace. While inventory remains tight, the market is balanced by consistent demand from local families and workforce professionals. Current conditions reflect a stable economic environment supported by the area's industrial base.
This ZIP is well-suited for family buyers and local professionals seeking a suburban environment with proximity to major industrial employers. It offers a balance of affordability and space that appeals to those looking for established neighborhoods.
Median prices moved up 2.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 48 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.7% · poverty 7.3% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 35603, Morgan County AL
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in Decatur are generally consistent with regional averages for North Alabama, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains a stable presence, and community-focused policing initiatives are active.
Schools serving the 35603 area are part of the Decatur City Schools system, which generally maintains moderate performance ratings. The district is characterized by a focus on vocational and college-prep pathways for students.
The area faces moderate risk from severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes common to Northern Alabama. Flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near drainage basins, and standard homeowners insurance is widely available.
Economic momentum is driven by the manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics sectors in the greater Decatur area. Major employers include industrial facilities along the Tennessee River, providing a stable employment base for the region.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Alabama) — Standard State Ad Valorem Homestead Exemption: Exempts up to $4,000 in assessed valuation from the 6.5 mill state ad valorem tax levy (providing a maximum direct state tax reduction of $26.00). Formula: Adjusted State Tax = Max(0, (Assessed Value - $4,000)) × 0.0065. State (Alabama) — Statewide Ad Valorem Property Tax and Class III Residential Assessment Ratio: Establishes a baseline 6.5 statewide millage rate ($0.0065 per dollar of assessed value) under Ala. Code § 40-8-1 and the Alabama Constitution.
Residents primarily commute by car, with easy access to I-65 and US-31 providing routes to major employment hubs in Decatur and Huntsville. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicle ownership essential for most workers.
The area features access to local parks, community sports complexes, and proximity to the Tennessee River for water-based recreation. Shopping and dining are concentrated along major corridors like Beltline Road.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand from families and workforce professionals, with moderate vacancy pressure. Investor activity is present, though short-term rental saturation remains low compared to urban centers.
The economy is anchored by manufacturing, chemical processing, and aerospace industries. Major employers include companies operating within the Decatur industrial corridor and the nearby Redstone Arsenal influence.
The area is served by a network of state highways and is positioned near I-65, facilitating regional transit. Infrastructure is primarily focused on road maintenance and expansion to accommodate industrial traffic.
Development is focused on infill residential projects and commercial expansion along the Beltline corridor. No major mega-projects are currently slated for this specific ZIP.
The Morgan County Revenue Commissioner handles assessments, utilizing a 10% assessment rate for residential properties. Assessments are updated periodically to reflect market value changes.
Parcels are primarily served by the Decatur City School District and standard municipal utility districts. No complex MUD or PID structures are prevalent.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather risks, including wind and hail. Market health is stable, though carriers are increasingly sensitive to roof age and condition.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Features a water park, golf course, and ice rink serving the entire region.
The primary commercial artery for the ZIP with numerous retail and restaurant options.
Provides extensive boating, fishing, and scenic trail access.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.