Median Age
45 Years
Largest Age Group
60-69 Years
Approximately 14% of Residents
Under 20
22%
Over 65
24%
Scottsboro, AL Area Guide
Avg Rent
$815
Population
15,394
Renter Mix
34% Rent
A calming atmosphere awaits on Guntersville Lake
Rural
•
Affordable
•
Safe
Scottsboro, Alabama carries the kind of small-city character that makes everyday life feel grounded and genuine. Perched along the southern bank of Guntersville Lake in Jackson County, it serves as the county seat and a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and community activity in northeast Alabama. The city draws residents who appreciate a slower pace without sacrificing access to essential services, including Jackson County Medical Center and a steady base of manufacturing and retail employers that keep the local economy moving.
Neighborhoods here range from established historic streets near the courthouse square to quieter residential pockets on the city's outskirts, giving renters a range of settings to consider. The housing mix reflects that variety, with traditional single-family rentals, modest apartment communities, and townhome-style options spread across the area. Many communities offer comfortable layouts at accessible price points compared to larger Alabama cities.
Scotsboro is perhaps best known nationally as the home of Unclaimed Baggage, a one-of-a-kind retail destination that has drawn visitors from across the country for decades. Outdoor recreation on the lake adds to the city's appeal, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it an easy place to settle in and call home.
Explore the City
The Jackson County Courthouse is an iconic landmark of Scottsboro.
Well-loved local shops are frequented by residents in Scottsboro's downtown area called "The Square."
Scottsboro is right next to the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$43,721
Average: $63,333
Education
3,157
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
6,368
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
Scottsboro has more homeowners than renters.
Renters
34%
Non-Renters
66%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
16%
Other Education
84%
Rent Trends
As of August 2026, the average apartment rent in Scottsboro, AL is $815 for one bedroom, $920 for two bedrooms, and $1,152 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Scottsboro has decreased by -0.2% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$815/month
688 Sq Ft
House
$1,946/month
1,140 Sq Ft
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Scottsboro, AL is 11.3% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Scottsboro is 42.9% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $0 - $1,152. You can expect to pay 4.3% less for groceries, 8.6% more for utilities, and 20.9% more for transportation.
Compare Cities
Learn More About Scottsboro
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Scottsboro, AL is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
30
/ 100
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
90
/ 100
Not Bikeable
Bikeability
10
/ 100
Scores provided by
Schools
Thurston T Nelson Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
235 Students
Public
Grades K-5
579 Students
Public
Grades K-5
538 Students
Public
Grades PK-12
567 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
298 Students
Public
Grades PK-12
567 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
356 Students
Public
Grades PK-12
567 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
739 Students
School data provided by
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Top Apartments in Scottsboro
Houses for Rent in Scottsboro
Living in Scottsboro
Search Nearby Rentals
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.