| ZIP Code | 35986 |
|---|---|
| City | Rainsville |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| County | DeKalb County |
| Area Code | 256 |
| Elevation | 1,311 ft |
| Latitude | 34.504775 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -85.840326 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 01049 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 44.2 yrs ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.60 |
| Below Poverty | 13.3% ▲ 33% above avg |
| College Grads | 39.8% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 1.0% ▼ 80% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 222 (4.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,228 (24.8%) |
| Some College | 607 (12.3%) |
| Associates | 921 (18.6%) |
| Bachelors | 622 (12.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,343 (27.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $65,774 ▼ 14% below avg ↑ 80% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $207,600 ▼ 26% below avg ↑ 82% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $656/mo ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 3,529 |
| Vacant Units | 365 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.60 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 3,529 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 365 |
| Owner Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 15.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.60 |
ZIP code 35986 is located in Rainsville, Alabama, within DeKalb County. With a population of 8,221, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 44.2 years. Economically, 35986 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $65,774 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 35986 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $207,600 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $656 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 84.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 82% since 2019.
The population of 35986 is primarily White (81.81%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 13.3%. Household income has grown by 80% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 35986 stands at 1.0%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 92%.
Overall, ZIP code 35986 in Rainsville, AL is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 8,221 residents, a median household income of $65,774, and a median home value of $207,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Alabama.