Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Bessemer

Affordability in Bessemer, AL

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median household income in Bessemer is $39,613 annually, and the median gross rent is $961 per month. About 43% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a sizeable renter community that may benefit from the income-based and HUD-assisted housing options available in the city.

Safety

According to the Bessemer Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer report, Bessemer had a violent crime rate of 1,748 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Among the 8 HUD-assisted properties in Bessemer with recorded HUD inspection scores, 5 rated excellent and 3 rated good -- no properties scored fair or poor.

Of the 8 mapped properties, 2 are located in high-risk flood zones. Renters should review flood zone status for any specific property and consider renter's insurance that includes flood coverage.

Getting Around Bessemer

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Bessemer scores 66 out of 100 ("Somewhat Walkable"), meaning some errands can be completed on foot. The Bike Score for the same area is 47 out of 100, indicating some biking infrastructure is present. No Transit Score was available for this area.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 17 schools across 5 districts serve Bessemer, including 9 elementary, 2 middle, 5 high schools, and 1 other. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Renting in Bessemer

The median household income in Bessemer is $39,613 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). The median gross rent citywide is $961 per month, per the same source.

Income-based and HUD-assisted housing in Bessemer can offer significant savings for eligible renters, with rents typically tied to a percentage of your household income rather than market rates.

• Median household income: $39,613/year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Median market rent: $961/month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Renter households: 43% of occupied units (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)

Environment & Flood Risk

All 8 assisted properties in Bessemer have been mapped for flood exposure. Of those, 2 are in high-risk flood zones -- a factor worth confirming with a landlord or property manager before signing a lease. The remaining 6 properties show no high-risk flood designation.