| ZIP Code | 35242 |
|---|---|
| City | Birmingham |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| County | Shelby County |
| Area Code | 205/659 |
| Elevation | 585 ft |
| Latitude | 33.424611 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -86.670867 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 01117 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.9 yrs ↑ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.39 |
| Below Poverty | 5.7% ▼ 43% below avg |
| College Grads | 70.0% ▲ 81% above avg |
| Unemployment | 1.6% ▼ 67% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 300 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 4,446 (11.3%) |
| Some College | 2,058 (5.2%) |
| Associates | 5,004 (12.7%) |
| Bachelors | 1,973 (5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 25,514 (64.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $116,053 ▲ 52% above avg ↑ 17% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $452,300 ▲ 62% above avg ↑ 27% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,430/mo ↑ 25% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 25,247 |
| Vacant Units | 1,526 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.39 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 25,247 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,526 |
| Owner Occupied | 73.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 26.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.39 |
ZIP code 35242 is located in Birmingham, Alabama, within Shelby County. With a population of 56,956, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.9 years. Economically, 35242 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $116,053 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 35242 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $452,300 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,430 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 73.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 27% since 2019.
The population of 35242 is primarily White (78.12%). Residents are highly educated — 70.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 5.7%. Household income has grown by 17% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 35242 stands at 1.6%, which is well below the national average. About 16% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 35242 in Birmingham, AL is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 56,956 residents, a median household income of $116,053, and a median home value of $452,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Alabama.