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Irondale, AL Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,356

Population

12,596

Renter Mix

34% Rent

Bask in the multifaceted charm of this Birmingham suburb

Suburban Scenic Riverside

Irondale is a Jefferson County city that gives renters a genuine suburban feel while keeping Birmingham's job market, entertainment, and cultural scene well within reach. Positioned just northeast of Mountain Brook and Homewood, Irondale offers a quieter pace without sacrificing access to the metro area's major employers, medical centers, and universities. The city's close proximity to the UAB campus and Birmingham's Research Park corridor makes it a practical base for anyone tied to the region's growing healthcare and tech sectors.

The housing mix here reflects the city's approachable character. Renters will find well-established apartment communities alongside townhomes and garden-style units, offering a range of floor plans to suit different needs. Newer builds have introduced more contemporary designs, while older neighborhoods retain the kind of tree-lined streetscapes that give Irondale its distinct personality.

Irondale carries some notable cultural weight as the home of EWTN, the internationally broadcast Catholic media network. Each year, the city's beloved Whistle-Stop Festival draws visitors from across the region for a weekend of art, live music, and local spirit. With roughly 12,500 residents spread across 18 square miles, Irondale strikes a balance between close-knit community atmosphere and easy connectivity to everything Birmingham has to offer.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$65,853

Average: $85,365

Education

4,221

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

6,397

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

40 Years

Largest Age Group

30-39 Years

Approximately 15% of Residents

Under 20

22%

Over 65

20%

Housing Distribution

Irondale has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
34%
Non-Renters
66%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
30%
Other Education
70%

Rent Trends

As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Irondale, AL is $1,356 for one bedroom, and $1,661 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Irondale has increased by 2.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,356/month
683 Sq Ft
House
$1,677/month
1,065 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Irondale, AL

Learn More About Irondale

Getting Around

Not Walkable

Walkability

10 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

100 / 100

Not Bikeable

Bikeability

10 / 100

Schools

Irondale Community School

Public

Grades PK-5

435 Students

Irondale Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

430 Students

Jefferson Co Ibs

Public

Grades 8 & 10-12

Shades Valley High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,200 Students

Jefferson Co Ibs

Public

Grades 8 & 10-12

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • Birmingham Zoo
  • Vulcan Park and Museum
  • McWane Science Center

Commuter Rail

Airports

  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International

Top Apartments in Irondale

Houses for Rent in Irondale

Living in Irondale

History

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Irondale takes its name from the iron ore industry that shaped the Birmingham area during the late 19th century, when the region's rich mineral deposits attracted mining and manufacturing operations. The city's industrial heritage remains visible in its proximity to historic mining sites and the remnants of an economy built on steel production. While much of the area has transitioned over the decades, these roots continue to inform the community's character.

One of Irondale's most recognizable landmarks is the Irondale Cafe, which gained widespread attention as the inspiration for the novel and film "Fried Green Tomatoes." The cafe has operated for generations and draws visitors interested in both its connection to Southern literature and its traditional regional cuisine. The building represents a slice of mid-century Alabama culture, offering a glimpse into the everyday places that have anchored the community through periods of change.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.