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Margaret, AL Area Guide

A small town just outside of Birmingham

Peaceful Secluded Scenic

Margaret, Alabama offers a quieter pace of life without putting you far from the action. Positioned in St. Clair County, just east of Birmingham, the city gives residents easy access to one of the South's major metropolitan hubs while preserving the relaxed rhythm of small-town living. The surrounding area reflects the broader economic strength of the Birmingham metro, with employment opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and education all within a reasonable commute.

Margaret carries a tight-knit character that sets it apart from larger suburbs. The community is small but steadily growing, drawing people who want breathing room and a genuine sense of place. Housing here leans toward single-family homes and townhomes, though apartment communities have expanded to meet rising demand. Renters can find comfortable, well-appointed options that offer more square footage than comparable units closer to the city center.

St. Clair County itself is one of Alabama's faster-growing areas, and Margaret reflects that upward momentum. Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham are both accessible from this corridor, giving the area added educational depth. Whether you're planting roots for the long term or simply seeking a calmer base near Birmingham's opportunities, Margaret delivers a grounded, affordable, and welcoming place to call home.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$68,999

Average: $77,523

Education

1,048

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

3,079

Workers Employed

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

Median Age

38 Years

Largest Age Group

40-49 Years

Approximately 15% of Residents

Under 20

27%

Over 65

14%

Housing Distribution

Margaret has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
11%
Non-Renters
89%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
13%
Other Education
87%

Learn More About Margaret

Getting Around

Not Walkable

Walkability

10 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

90 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

20 / 100

Schools

Margaret Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

707 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Margaret

Houses for Rent in Margaret

Living in Margaret

History

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Margaret began as a small agricultural community in northeastern St. Clair County, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a rural settlement. The town was incorporated in 1988, making it one of Alabama's newer municipalities, though the area itself has roots that stretch back much further. Today, the community reflects its modest origins with a quiet, residential character that honors its rural heritage while adapting to suburban growth patterns common throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area.

While Margaret may not feature grand historic districts or museums, its history remains visible in the surrounding landscape and longstanding community gathering spots. The area's development has been shaped by its proximity to larger cities and the gradual transformation of farmland into residential neighborhoods. Visitors and residents alike can appreciate the preservation of the community's small-town atmosphere, where local churches and civic spaces serve as anchors connecting present-day life to the area's earlier days.

Transportation

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Margaret is a small town in St. Clair County, Alabama, located about 25 miles east of Birmingham. Most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around, as the town lacks a public transit system and sidewalk infrastructure is limited. U.S. Highway 11 and Alabama State Route 174 are the primary roads serving the area, connecting residents to nearby communities and the broader Birmingham metro. Interstate 20 is accessible within a short drive, making commutes into Birmingham manageable for those who work in the city. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is roughly 30 miles away, providing the closest option for air travel. Biking and walking are not common modes of transportation here given the rural layout of the town.

Parks

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Margaret is a small city in St. Clair County, and residents enjoy easy access to a variety of outdoor spaces throughout the surrounding region. Lake Neely Henry, just a short drive away, offers scenic waterfront recreation including fishing, boating, and kayaking along its expansive shoreline. Cheaha State Park, home to the highest point in Alabama, is within roughly an hour's drive and provides hiking trails, waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views. Closer to home, the quiet, small-town setting gives residents access to open green spaces ideal for walking and unwinding outdoors.

Highlights

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Margaret, Alabama, is a small, close-knit town in St. Clair County, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains northeast of Birmingham. Known for its peaceful, rural character and easy access to outdoor recreation, Margaret offers a quiet retreat with convenient proximity to the amenities and employment centers of the greater Birmingham metro area.

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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.