Firstly why Ozark, Alabama?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Ozark
• State: Alabama
• Population: 14,883 people
• Ozark’s quick summary would be Ozark locals know Fort Novosel (formerly Rucker) drives the area, and they celebrate at the Ozark Crawdad & Music Fest.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,500 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: -500 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 100
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a small-town atmosphere with access to outdoor recreation appealing to families and retirees

Perk #1: Ozark Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 72%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $38,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Ozark is $45,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Ozark’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 75 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $827
• Property Tax %: 1.05%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $900
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Ozark
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Ozark, Daleville, Level-Plain, Enterprise, and probably could include Newton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Ozark: 62 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Ozark’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Ozark are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Education
• Ozark Job Scene: small job market with limited opportunities in retail and services
• The General Tech Scene: small town with minimal tech engagement, focused on local economy and agriculture ,
• Ozark Resident’s pay $500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Ozark: 4%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 20 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Ozark

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 231 connects the city to the Dothan area
• Commute Time: 18 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on US-231 during evening rush
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Ozark: 12,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Ozark: revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 55 of 100
• Local Airport: Ozark Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Ozark’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Ozark is best described as experiences hot humid summers with temperatures over 90°F and mild winters with occasional cold snaps
• Winter Weather in Ozark i’d describe as cool and rainy
• Spring Weather in Ozark can be described as warm with chance of rain
• Summer’s in Ozark are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Ozark is usually mild with some rain
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 36 days in summer
• Days in a row in Ozark below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 54 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with very few pollution sources
• Ozark Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution impact

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Ozark Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Ozark 0
• While the number of trade schools inside Ozarks’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Ozark Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Ozark Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Ozark only Doctors is about 15
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Ozark only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Ozark’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Ozark’s Monthly Gym Membership: $30
• Ozark’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Ozark

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a tight-knit community and surrounding natural beauty
• You might enjoy local community theater productions
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Ozark  offers local cafes and bars where you can enjoy live music and community events throughout the year

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Ozark

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local diners and traditional American food with a few southern specialties
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Ozark
• The Popular Sports Team is Ozark High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Ozark can be described as conservative rural community prioritizing traditional values
• Ozark’s Longer standing religious establishment is Ozark United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Ozark Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Ozark has 30 Parks?
• Ozark City Park is Ozark’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Ozark Farmers Market normally open Tuesday & Thursday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Biking, fishing, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Ozark Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Ozark can be described as quiet and relaxed ideal for those seeking small-town life
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Ozark exploring local nature trails fishing with family visiting parks
• The Cities people commute to from Ozark are Dothan 27 miles away Montgomery 91 miles away Enterprise 34 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Ozark or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing on US-231 during evening rush. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Ozark’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Ozark is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Ozark are Dothan 27 miles away Montgomery 91 miles away Enterprise 34 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Ozark has 0 days in a row below freezing and 36 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Ozark people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Ozark. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative rural community prioritizing traditional values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Ozark.

Retiree & Senior Life in Ozark

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can often take advantage of exemptions on property taxes alleviating their financial burden
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Oakview Manor Health Care Center
• Ozark-Dale County Senior Center organizes crafts fitness classes and various social activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Ozark, Alabama?

If Ozark, Alabama ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Ozark, Alabama, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!